I/I  B  RAR.Y 

OF  THL 

UNIVERSITY 
Of    ILLINOIS 


NATURAL  HISTORY  SURVE 

59O.5 


FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY 

PUBLICATION  No.  226 
ZOOLOGICAL  SERIES  VOL.  XV 


THE  MARINE  FISHES  OF  PANAMA 

BY 

SETH  E.  MEEK 

Late  Assistant  Curator,  Department  of  Zoo' 
AND 

SAMUEL  F.  HILDEBRAND 

Scientific  Assistant.  1T.  S.   Bureau  of  Fisheries 
PART  IT 


H. 
Curator,  Department  of  Z« 

HIM 


Cim  \<,'»,   Q.   S.   A. 
April   15, 


Natural  History 


FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY 

PUBLICATION  No.  226 
ZOOLOGICAL  SERIES  VOL.  XV 


THE  MARINE  FISHES  OF  PANAMA 

BY 

SETH  E.  MEEK 

Late  Assistant  Curator,  Department  of  Zoology 
AND 

SAMUEL  F.  HILDEBRAND 

Scientific  Assistant,  U.  S.  Bureau  of  Fisheries 
PART  II 


WILFRED  H.  OSGOOD 

Curator,  Department  of  Zoology 

EDITOR 


CHICAGO,  U.  S.  A. 
April  15,  1925 


C<r7T> 


T>,  3     tY   >/.  5. 


CONTENTS  OF  PART  II 


Contents  of  Part  II 

List  of  Plates  in  Part  II 

List  of  new  Species  in  Part  II    . 


Page 

XV 

XVII 

XX 


CLASSES,  ORDERS,  FAMILIES,  AND  GENERA  INCLUDED  IN 

PART  II 


Page 

Class  III.     TELEOSTOMI 
— Continued 

Order  XIV.     Acanthopteri 
— Continued 

Family  XLIV.    Carangidae 
THE  CAVALLAS 

100.  Decapterus  Bleeker   ....  333 

101.  Selar  Bleeker 335 

102.  Trachurus  Rafinesque   •   •   •  336 

103.  Hemicaranx   Bleeker     •    •    •  339 

104.  Caranx   Lacepede 346 

105.  Gnathanodon  Bleeker    •   •    •  360 

106.  Citula  Cuvier 361 

107.  Alectis   Rafinesque     ....  363 

1 08.  Vomer  Cuvier      365 

109.  Chloroscombrus    Girard    •    .  369 

no.  Selene   Lacepede 371 

in.  Trachinotus  Lacepede  •    .   .  377 

112.  Oligoplites    Gill      387 

113.  Elagatis    Bennett 393 

114.  Seriola  Cuvier 394 

115.  Naucrates   Refinesque    •   •   •  399 

XV 


Page 

Family  XLV.    Pomatomidae 
THE  BLUEFISHES 

116.  Pomatomus  Lacepede    .    •    .  402 

Family  XLVI.     Rachycentridse 
THE  SERGEANT-FISHES 

117.  Rachycentron  Kaup    ....  403 

Family  XLVII.     Coryphsenidae 
THE  DOLPHINS 

1 1 8.  Coryphasna  Linnaeus     •   •   •  405 

Family  XLVIII.    Stromateidss 
THE  HARVEST-FISHES 

119.  Nomeus   Cuvier 407 

1 20.  Psenes  Cuv.  &  Valenc.    .   .  409 

121.  Peprilus  Cuvier 410 

Family  XLIX.  Apogonida3 
THE  CARDINAL-FISHES 

122.  Apogon  Lacepede 414 

Family  L.     Centropomidae 
THE  ROBALOS 

123.  Centropomus  Lacepede     .   .  419 


.  Swvey 
Libra™  ^ 


Page 

Family  LI.    Serranidae 
THE  SEA  BASSES 

124.  Paranthias  Guichenot    .    .    •  436 

125.  Cephalopholis  Bloch  &  Schn.  438 

126.  Petrometopon   Gill     ....  441 

127.  Mycteroperca    Gill      ....  444 

128.  Promicrops   Poey 45° 

129.  Epinephelus  Bloch     ....  452 

130.  Alphestes  Bloch  &  Schneider  463 

131.  Paralabrax  Girard 466 

132.  Hypoplectrus  Gill 467 

133.  Prionodes   Jenyns     ....     470 

134.  Diplectrum   Holbrook    .    •   •  472 

135.  Rhegma    Gilbert      478 

136.  Rypticus    Cuvier      ...       .  479 


Family  LI  I.     Lobotidae 

THE  TRIPLE-TAILS 
137.  Lobotes  Cuvier 


483 


Family  LIII.    Priacanthidae 
THE  BIG-EYES 

138.  Priacanthus  Oken 487 

139.  Pseudopriacanthus  Bleeker  .  489 

Family  LIV.     Lutianidae 
THE  SNAPPERS 

140.  Hoplopagrus   Gill 491 

141.  Lutianus  Bloch 493 

142.  Rabirubia  Jordan  &  Fesler  .  514 

143.  Ocyurus  Gill 515 

144.  Rhomboplites    Gill      ....  517 

145.  Xenichthys  Gill 518 

Family  LV.     Haemulidae 
THE  GRUNTERS 

146.  Conodon  Cuv.  &  Valenc.  .    .  521 

147.  Bathystoma  Scudder     •   .    .  523 

148.  Orthostcechus    Gill      ....  525 

149.  Brachygenys    Scudder  .    .   .  527 

150.  Lythrulon  Jordan  &  Swain  .  528 

151.  Haemulon  Cuvier 529 

152.  Orthopristis    Girard    ....  544 
153-  Pomadasys   Lacepede    .   .    .  547 
154.  Anisotremus  Gill 560 


Page 

Family  LVI.     Sparidae 
THE  PORGIES 

155.  Calamus   Swainson     ....  572 

156.  Pagrus   Cuvier 5/6 

157.  Archosargus   Gill 577 

158.  Diplodus  Rafinesque  ....  580 

Family  LVI  I.     Gerridae 
THE  MOJARRAS 

159.  Eucinostomus  Baird  &  Girard  582 

160.  Ulaema  Jord.  &  Everm.   .    .  588 

161.  Gerres  Cuvier 589 

162.  Diapterus   Ranzani      ....   591 

Family  LVI II.    Kyphosidae 
THE  RUDDER-FISHES 

163.  Kyphosus  Lacepede  ....  605 

164.  Sectator  Jordan  &  Fesler     •  609 

Family  LIX.    Sciaenidae 
THE  CROAKERS 

165.  Umbrina  Cuvier 613 

166.  Micropogon  Cuv.  &  Valenc.  616 

167.  Stellifer  Oken 619 

1 68.  Elattarchus  Jord.  &  Everm.  628 

169.  Bairdiella  Gill 629 

170.  Ophioscion  Gill 636 

171.  Macrodon  Schinz 646 

172.  Isopisthus   Gill 650 

173.  Cynoscion  Gill 653 

174.  Menticirrhus  Gill 666 

175.  Paralonchurus  Bocourt     •   .  671 

176.  Eques   Bloch 676 

177.  Sciaena   Linnaeus 679 

178.  Nebris  Cuv.  &  Valenc.     .    .  680 

179.  Larimus  Cuv.  &  Valenc.  •    •  683 

180.  Odontoscion  Gill 688 

181.  Corvula  Jord.  &  Eigen.     .    .  691 

Family  LX.    Pomacentridae 
THE  DESMOISELLES 

182.  Chromis  Cuvier 694 

183.  Pomacentrus    Lacepede    •    •  697 

184.  Abudefduf    Forskal    ....  700 

185.  Nexilarius  Gilbert 704 

186.  Microspathodon  Giinther     •   705 


XVI 


It 


I  111 

(iff 


LIST  OF  PLATES  IN  PART  II 


Opposite 
Page 


XXV.     Fig.  i.     Hemicaranx  leucurus  (Giinther). 

Fig.  2.     Hemicaranx  rhomboides  sp.  nov 344 

XXVI.     Fig.  i.     Caranx  latus  Agassiz. 

Fig.  2.     Caranx  marginatus  (Gill) 354 

XXVII.     Caranx  crysos   (Mitchill) 358 

XXVIII.     Caranx  caballus  Giinther 359 

XXIX.     Fig.  i.     Vomer  setapinnis(Michill). 

Fig.  2.     Vomer  declivifrons  sp.  nov 366 

XXX.     Fig.   i.     Chloroscombrus  chrysurus   (Linnaeus). 
Fig.  2.     Chloroscombrus  orqueta  Jordan  & 

Gilbert    369 

XXXI.     Selene  vomer  (Linnaeus) 372 

XXXII.     Selene  brevoortii  (Gill) 374 

XXXIII.  Trachinotus  falcatus  (Linnaeus) 378 

XXXIV.  Trachinotus  kennedyi  Steindachner 380 

XXXV.     Trachinotus  culveri  Jordan  &  Starks 381 

XXXVI.     Fig.  i.     Trachinotus  glaucus  (Bloch). 

Fig.  2.     Trachinotus  paloma  Jordan  &  Starks 382 

XXXVII.     Trachinotus  rhodopus  Gill   383 

XXXVIII.     Fig.  i.     Oligoplites  altus  (Giinther). 

Fig.  2.     Oligoplites  mundus  Jordan  &  Starks ....   388 
XXXIX.     Fig.  i.     Oligoplites  saurus  (Bloch  &  Schneider). 

Fig.  2.     Oligoplites  refulgens  Gilbert  &  Starks..   390 

XL.     Psenes  pacincus  sp.   nov 409 

XLI.     Centropomus  undecimalis     (Bloch) 425 

XLII.     Centropomus   nigrescens    Giinther 426 

XLIII.     Alphestes  afer  (Bloch) 463 

XLIV.     Alphestes  multiguttatus   (Giinther) 464 

XLV.     Hypoplectrus  lamprurus  (Jordan  &  Gilbert) ....  468 

XVII 


Opposite 
Page 

XLVI.     Fig.  i.     Diplectrum  radiale  (Quoy  &  Gaimard). 

Fig.  2.     Diplectrum  pacificum  sp.  nov 475 

XLVII.     Rypticus  saponaceus  (Bloch  &  Schneider) 480 

XLVIII.     Rypticus  xanti  Gill 481 

XLIX.     Lobotes  pacificus  Gilbert 484 

L.     Lobotes  surinamensis  (Bloch) 485 

LI.     Priacanthus  arenatus  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes ....  487 

LI  I.     Priacanthus   cruentatus    (Lacepede) 488 

LIU.     Haemulon  flavolineatum  (Desmarest) 531 

LIV.     Fig.  i.     Haemulon  bonariense  Cuvier  &  Valenc. 

Fig.  2.     Haemulon  scudderii  Gill 541 

LV.     Fig.  i.     Pomadasys  corvinaeformis  (Steindachner). 

Fig.  2.     Pomadasys  leuciscus  (Giinther) 549 

LVI.     Anisotremus  dovii   (Giinther) 563 

LVII.     Anisotremus  pacific!    (Gunther) 564 

LVIII.     Anisotremus  surinamensis   (Bloch) 566 

LIX.     Anisotremus   interruptus    (Gill) 568 

LX.     Anisotremus  virginicus    (Linnaeus) 569 

LXI.     Anisotremus  taeniatus  Gill 570 

LXII.     Fig.  i.     Eucinostomus  calif orniensis  (Gill). 

Fig.  2.     Eucinostomus  californiensis  elongatus 

subsp.  nov 584 

LXIII.     Diapterus  evermanni  sp.  nov 594 

LXIV.     Kyphosus  elegans   (Peters) 607 

LXV.     Kyphosus  sectatrix  Linnaeus) 608 

LXVI.     Fig.  i.     Stellifer  colonensis  sp.  nov. 

Fig.  2.     Stellifer  mindii  sp.  nov 623 

LXVII.     Fig.  i.     Bairdiella  armata  Gill. 

Fig.  2.     Bairdiella  ronchus  (Cuvier  &  Valenc.)..  633 

LXVIII.     Ophioscion  punctatissimus  sp.  nov 644 

LXIX.     Fig.  i.     Chromis  marginatus  (Castelnau). 

Fig.  2.     Chromis  atrilobatus  Gill 695 

LXX.     Abudefduf  saxatilis  (Linnaeus) 701 

LXXI.     Abudefduf  analogus  (Gill) 703 


XVIII 


LIST  OF  NEW  SPECIES  IN  PART  II 

Page 

Hemicaranx  rhomboides 345 

Vomer  declivifrons ....                 ....  367 

Psenes  pacificus        .         .         . 409 

Diplectrum  pacificum 477 

Eucinostomus  californiensis  elongatus 586 

Diapterus  evermanni       ........  594 

Stellifer  colonensis 623 

mindii 626 

Ophioscion  punctatissimus      .......  644 


XIX 


THE  MARINE  FISHES  OF  PANAMA. 

BY   SETH  E.  MEEK  AND  SAMUEL  F.   HILDEBRAND. 

PART  II. 


Class  III.    TeleOStomi — Continued. 

Order  XIV.    Acanthopteri — Continued. 

Family  XLIV.     Carangidae. 

THE  CAVALLAS. 

Body  deep  or  elongate,  usually  more  or  less  compressed;  head 
compressed;  occipital  region  usually  with  a  keel;  mouth  of  varying 
size;  premaxillaries  usually  protractile;  maxillary  with  or  without  a 
supplemental  bone;  preopercle  usually  entire  in  adult,  armed  with  3 
or  more  spines  in  very  young ;  teeth  various,  usually  small,  in  one  or  a 
few  series,  or  in  villiform  bands,  on  jaws,  occasionally  wholly  wanting 
in  adult ;  gills  4,  a  slit  behind  the  last ;  gill-rakers  long  or  short,  few  or 
many;  pseudobranchise  large,  sometimes  lost  with  age;  branchiostegals 
commonly  7;  scales  small,  cycloid,  sometimes  embedded,  and  occas- 
ionally obsolete;  lateral  line  complete,  usually  with  a  prominent  arch 
anteriorly,  often  wholly  or  in  part  armed  with  bony  scutes;  dorsal 
fins  2,  separate,  the  spinous  dorsal  rather  weak,  usually  preceded  by  a 
procumbent  spine,  the  spines  usually  depressible  in  a  groove;  second 
dorsal  long,  usually  more  or  less  elevated  anteriorly;  anal  fin  similar 
to  second  dorsal  in  form,  sometimes,  however,  much  shorter,  always 
preceded  by  2  strong  spines,  more  or  less  connected  with  the  fin  and 
with  each  other  in  young,  separate  in  adult,  sometimes,  together  with 
procumbent  spine  and  one  or  two  of  the  anterior  spines  of  dorsal, 
disappearing  with  age;  caudal  fin  widely  forked;  ventrals  thoracic, 
I,  5 ;  pectoral  fins  usually  narrow ;  pyloric  caeca  generally  numerous ; 
vertebrae  about  10+14=24.  Most  of  the  species  of  this  family  are 
widely  distributed,  and  nearly  all  are  valued  as  food. 

331 


332    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

KEY  TO  THE  GENERA. 

a.  Lateral  line  wholly  or  in  part  armed  with  bony  scutes.  (Very 
weak  and  occasionally  wanting  in  Chloroscombrus) 

b.  Dorsal  and  anal  each  with  a  single  detached  finlet. 

Decapterus,  p.  333. 
bb.     Dorsal  and  anal  without  finlets. 

c.  Shoulder  girdle  with  a  deep  furrow  near  its  juncture  with  the 
isthmus,  and  a  fleshy  projection  above  it;  eye  large. 

Selar,  p.  335. 
cc.     Shoulder  girdle  normal,  not  as  above;  eye  of  moderate  size. 

d.  Lateral  line  armed  with  deep  bony  scutes  for  its  entire  length ; 
last  ray  of  second  dorsal  and  anal  enlarged,  nearly  separate 
in  adult.  Trachurus,  p.  336. 

dd.  Lateral  line  with  bony  scutes  on  its  straight  portion  only;  last 
ray  of  second  dorsal  and  anal  not  notably  enlarged. 

e.  Maxillary  very  narrow ;  head  small ;  teeth  in  jaws  in  a  single 
close  set  series,  few  or  none  on  vomer,  palatines  and  tongue; 
dorsal  and   anal   low,   never  with   salient   lobes,  each   with   a 
conspicuous  sheath  of  scales  at  base.  Hemicaranx,  p.  339. 

ee.  Maxillary  broad;  head  rather  large;  teeth,  if  present,  in  one 
or  more  series,  or  in  bands  on  jaws,  never  in  a  single  close  set 
series  as  above. 

f.  Teeth  uneven,  in  one  or  a  few  series  on  jaws,  persistent;  villi- 
form  teeth  usually  present  on  vomer,  palatines  and  tongue,  these 
deciduous  or  wanting  in  some  species.  Caranx,  p.  346. 

ff.  Teeth,  if  present,  small  and  even,  in  a  single  series,  or  in 
villiform  bands  on  jaws. 

g.  Minute  teeth  present  on  jaws  and  tongue,  none  on  vomer  and 
palatines,  those  on  jaws  lost  with  age.        Gnathanodon,  p.  360. 

gg.     Minute  teeth  on  jaws,  vomer,  tongue,  and  usually  on  palatines, 

present  at  all  ages, 
h.       The  back   much   elevated;  the   dorsal   outline  more   strongly 

curved  than  the  ventral, 
i.        Snout  well  in  advance  of  the  forehead ;  anterior  profile  convex ; 

anterior  rays  of  second  dorsal  and  anal  filamentous, 
j.       Body   more  or   less   ovate   in   young,   elongate   in   adult,   not 

excessively  compressed,  the  outlines  not  everywhere  trenchant; 

scales  of  moderate  size;  dorsal  and  anal  filaments  of  moderate 

length.  Citula,  p.  361. 

jj.     Body  strongly  ovate  in  young,  somewhat  elongate  in  adult,  very 

strongly  compressed,  the  outlines  everywhere  trenchant;  scales 


APRIL  15,  1925.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.     333 

very  small ;  dorsal  and  anal  filaments  long,  extremely  long  in 
young.  Alectis,  p.  363. 

ii.  Snout  scarcely  in  advance  of  forehead;  anterior  profile  nearly 
vertical;  soft  dorsal  and  anal  low,  never  falcate,  the  anterior 
rays  not  produced  into  filaments.  Vomer,  p.  365. 

hh.  The  back  little  elevated ;  the  ventral  outline  much  more  strongly 
curved  than  the  dorsal;  lateral  line  with  few  very  weak  bony 
scutes  or  none.  Chloroscombrus,  p.  369. 

aa.     Lateral  line  entirely  unarmed. 

k.  Second  dorsal  and  anal  about  equal  in  length,  both  longer  than 
the  abdomen. 

I.  Body  deep,  ovate;  premaxillaries  protractile;  second  dorsal  and 
anal  fins  anteriorly  elevated,  falcate. 

m.  Body  very  closely  compressed,  the  outlines  everywhere  trench- 
ant; preorbital  extremely  deep;  maxillary  broad,  with  a  well 
developed  supplemental  bone.  Selene,  p.  371. 

mm.  Body  less  closely  compressed,  the  abdomen  never  trenchant; 
preorbital  very  narrow;  maxillary  narrow,  without  a  distinct 
supplemental  bone.  Trachinotus ,  p.  377. 

II.  Body   oblong;   premaxillaries   not   protractile,   except   in    very 
young;  maxillary  narrow,  without  a  supplemental  bone;  second 
dorsal  and  anal  fins  low,  never  falcate.  Oligoplites,  p.  387. 

kk.  Anal  fin  much  shorter  than  second  dorsal,  its  base  shorter  than 
abdomen. 

n.  Dorsal  and  anal  each  with  a  single  detached  finlet,  composed 
of  2  rays.  Elagatis,  p.  393. 

nn.     Dorsal  and  anal  without  finlets. 

o.  First  dorsal  with  6  to  8  slender  spines,  connected  by  membrane 
at  all  ages;  lateral  line  with  a  long,  low  arch,  forming  a  slight 
keel  on  caudal  peduncle  in  adult.  Seriola,  p.  394. 

oo.  First  dorsal  with  3  or  4  low,  stiff  spines,  separate  in  adult,  or 
connected  by  membrane  in  very  young;  lateral  line  scarcely 
arched,  forming  a  prominent  dermal  keel  on  caudal  peduncle. 

Naucrates,  p.  399. 

100.  Genus  Decapterus  Bleeker. 

Decapterus  Bleeker,  Nat.  Tijds.  Ned. — Ind.,  I,  1851,  358  (type  Caranx 

kurra  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes). 
Eustotnatodus   Gill,    Proc.    Ac.    Nat.    Sci.    Phila.,    1862,    261     (type 

Decapterus  kurr aides  Bleeker). 


334    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

Body  elongate,  fusiform;  head  rather  short;  snout  pointed;  mouth 
small;  jaws  subequal;  maxillary  broad,  with  a  supplemental  bone; 
premaxillaries  protractile;  teeth  minute;  scales  moderate;  straight 
portion  of  lateral  line  armed  with  bony  scutes,  at  least  posteriorly; 
first  dorsal  with  slender,  persistent  spines;  second  dorsal  and  anal 
each  with  a  single  detached  finlet;  spines  preceding  anal  well  developed, 
persistent;  pectorals  rather  short. 

250.  Decapterus  punctatus   (Agassiz). 

Scomber  hippos  Mitchill,  Trans.  Lit.  &  Phil.  Soc.  N.  Y.,  I,  1815,  PI. 

V,  fig.  5  (not  of  Linnaeus). 
Caranx  punctatus  Agassiz,  in  Spix,  Pise.  Brasil.,  1831,  108,  PI.  LVIa, 

fig.  2  (Brazil). 
Caranx  suareus  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  IX,  1833, 

33  (Mediterranean). 
Decapterus  punctatus  Poey,   Syn.   Pise.   Cub.,   1868,  368;  Jordan  & 

Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  907. 

Head  3.7  to  4.3;  depth  4.3  to  5.3;  D.  VII  or  VIII-29  to  31-!;  A. 
II-I,  25  to  27-! ;  lateral  scutes  35  to  42. 

Body  elongate,  little  compressed,  fusiform;  the  ventral  outline 
anteriorly  a  little  more  convex  than  the  dorsal ;  head  rather  short  and 
low;  snout  pointed,  2.75  to  3.5  in  head;  eye  2.75  to  3.8;  mouth  small, 
oblique;  jaws  subequal;  maxillary  broad,  reaching  anterior  margin 
of  eye,  2.1  to  3.0  in  head;  teeth  minute,  those  on  upper  jaw  in  a  single 
series,  those  on  lower  jaw  in  a  narrow  band  near  symphysis,  in  a  single 
series  laterally;  vomer,  palatines,  and  tongue  with  bands  of  villiform 
teeth;  gill-rakers  short  and  close  set,  about  35  on  lower  limb  of  first 
arch;  scales  moderate;  breast  and  most  of  head  scaly;  lateral  line 
scarcely  arched,  the  curved  portion  quite  as  long  as  straight  part,  the 
latter  fully  armed  with  deep,  short  scutes ;  first  dorsal  with  very  slender 
spines,  the  longest  about  as  long  as  eye  and  snout;  second  dorsal  and 
anal  similar,  little  elevated  anteriorly,  each  with  a  single  detached 
finlet;  caudal  forked,  the  lobes  short,  subequal;  ventrals  rather  small, 
about  as  long  as  postorbital  part  of  head ;  pectorals  shorter  than  head, 
never  falcate,  4.4  to  5.7  in  length  of  body. 

Color  bluish  black  above,  silvery  below;  a  distinct  opercular  spot 
present;  dorsals  and  caudal  dusky;  other  fins  pale;  axil  of  pectoral 
black. 

We  have  a  single  specimen  147  mm.  in  length.  The  above 
description  is  based  on  this  one  and  numerous  specimens  from  the 
West  Indies  and  the  eastern  coast  of  the  United  States.  There 


APRIL  15,  1925.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.     335 

appears  to  be  considerable  variation  among  individual  specimens  of 
this  species  with  respect  to  the  shape  of  the  body.  In  some  specimens 
the  body  is  almost  perfectly  fusiform,  in  others  it  is  more  or  less 
compressed  and  usually  notably  deeper.  That  the  tongue  is  devoid  of 
teeth,  as  is  stated  in  current  descriptions,  is  not  true  of  any  of  the 
specimens  examined  by  us,  for  in  each  one  the  tongue  has  a  narrow 
longitudinal  band  of  minute  teeth  on  its  median  line. 

Known  from  Cape  Cod  to  Brazil.  Our  specimen  is  from  Porto 
Bello. 

101.     Genus  Selar  Bleeker. 

Selar  Bleeker,  Nat.  Tijds.  Neder. — Ind.,  I,  1851,  359   (type  Caranx 

boops  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes). 
Trachurops  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1862,  238  (type  Scomber 

plumieri  Bloch=Scomber  crumenophthalmus  Bloch). 

Body  elongate,  little  compressed ;  the  back  not  elevated ;  eye  very 
large;  shoulder  girdle  with  a  deep  furrow  at  its  juncture  with  the 
isthmus,  and  a  fleshy  projection  above  the  furrow;  other  characters 
essentially  as  in  Caranx. 

251.  Selar  crumenophthalmus   (Bloch). 

Scomber  crumenophthalmus  Bloch,  Naturg.  Ausl.  Fische,  VII,  1793, 

77,  PI.  CCCXLIII  (Acara  [in  Guinea]). 
Scomber  plumieri  Bloch,   Naturg.   Ausl.   Fische,   VII,    1793,   79,  PI. 

CCCXLIV   (Antilles). 
Scomber  balantiophthalmus  Bloch  &  Schneider,  Syst.  Ichth.,  1801,  29 

(Guinea). 

Caranx  crumenophthalmus  Lacepede,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  IV,  1803,  703. 
Caranx  plumieri  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  IX,  1833, 

65- 
Trachurops  brachychirus  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,   1862,  261 

(Cape  San  Lucas). 

Trachurops  plumieri  Poey,  Enumeratio,  1875,  78. 
Trachurops  crumenophthalmus  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

1883,  196;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  75 

(Panama  Bay). 

Head  3.03  to  3.35;  depth  3.1  to  3.85;  D.  VIII-I,  23  to  26;  A. 
II-I,  20  to  23. 

Body  elongate,  little  compressed;  the  back  not  elevated;  ventral 
outline  more  strongly  convex  than  the  dorsal;  head  long  and  low; 
snout  rather  pointed,  3.3  to  3.9  in  head;  eye  very  large,  with  a  well 


336    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

developed  adipose  membrane  in  adult,  2.75  to  3.17  in  head;  mouth 
large,  oblique;  lower  jaw  projecting;  maxillary  reaching  anterior 
margin  of  pupil,  2.1  to  2.45  in  head;  teeth  small,  present  on  both 
jaws,  vomer,  palatines  and  tongue,  those  in  upper  jaw  anteriorly  in 
two  series,  or  a  narrow  villiform  band  in  a  single  series  laterally,  those 
in  lower  jaw  in  a  single  series ;  vomerine  teeth  in  rather  broad  patches ; 
palatine  teeth  in  a  very  narrow  band  or  single  series ;  tongue  with  a 
long,  narrow  villiform  band;  gill-rakers  scarcely  half  as  long  as  eye, 
23  to  27  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch ;  scales  small,  cycloid ;  breast  fully 
scaled ;  head  mostly  covered  with  small  scales ;  lateral  line  without  an 
arch,  armed  with  scutes  which  increase  in  size  posteriorly;  first  dorsal 
with  rather  high,  slender  spines ;  second  dorsal  and  anal  similar, 
moderately  elevated  anteriorly,  each  with  a  low  sheath  of  scales  at  base ; 
caudal  moderately  forked,  the  lobes  subequal,  shorter  than  head; 
ventrals  rather  long,  reaching  to  or  slightly  past  vent;  pectorals  rather 
long  and  falcate,  3.2  to  4.5  in  length  of  body. 

Color  bluish  above,  silvery  below ;  snout  and  tip  of  lower  jaw 
dusky;  fins  mostly  dusky;  dorsal  and  caudal  edged  with  black. 

Of  this  species  6  specimens,  ranging  from  93  to  255  mm.  in  length, 
were  secured.  Three  of  these  are  from  the  Atlantic  coast  and  the 
other  3  from  the  Pacific. 

Known  from  most  tropical  seas.  Our  specimens  are  from  Porto 
Bello  and  Panama  City  market.  The  specimens  from  the  two  coasts 
seem  to  agree  perfectly. 

102.    Genus  Trachurus  Rafinesque. 

Trachurus  Rafinesque,  Caratteri,  etc.,  1810,  41  (type  Scomber  trachurus 
L.innazus=Trachurus  saurus  Rafinesque). 

Body  elongate,  somewhat  compressed ;  the  back  not  elevated ;  head 
rather  low;  snout  blunt;  mouth  moderate;  premaxillaries  protractile; 
maxillary  of  moderate  width,  supplemental  bone  present ;  teeth  minute, 
mostly  in  a  single  series  on  jaws;  vomer,  palatines  and  tongue  with 
bands  of  villiform  teeth;  gill-rakers  long  and  slender,  close  set;  lateral 
line  prominently  arched  anteriorly,  armed  with  bony  scutes  for  its 
entire  length,  those  on  straight  portion  the  strongest,  spinous;  an 
accessory  dorsal  branch  to  lateral  line;  first  dorsal  with  rather  slender 
spines  connected  by  membrane;  second  dorsal  and  anal  similar;  no 
finlets,  but  the  last  ray  of  second  dorsal  and  anal  enlarged  and  nearly 
separate  in  adult. 


APRIL  15,  1925.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.     337 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES.* 

a.  Body  rather  deep,  compressed,  its  depth  3.45  to  4.25  in  its 
length;  curved  portion  of  lateral  line  usually  notably  shorter 
than  the  straight  part;  bony  scutes  very  deep,  the  deepest  in 
straight  part  of  lateral  line  about  three-fourths  the  depth  of 
eye;  pectorals  reaching  to  beginning  of  straight  part  of  lateral 
line.  trachurus,  p.  337. 

aa.  Body  very  elongate,  little  compressed,  its  depth  4.5  to  5.3  in  its 
length;  curved  portion  of  lateral  line  as  long  as  the  straight 
part;  bony  scutes  narrow,  the  deepest  in  straight  part  of  lateral 
line  slightly  more  than  half  the  depth  of  eye;  pectorals  failing 
to  reach  beginning  of  straight  part  of  lateral  line. 

picturatus,  p.  338. 

252.  Trachurus  trachurus  (Linnaeus). 

Scomber  trachurus  Linnaeus,  Syst.  Nat.,  Ed.  X,  1758,  298  (Mediter- 
ranean Sea)  ;  Bloch,  Ichtyol.,  II,  1785,  97,  PI.  LVI. 
fCaranxomorous  plumierianus  Lacepede,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  Ill,  1802, 

84,  PI.  II,  fig.  i  (from  a  figure  by  Plumier;  Martinique?). 
Caranx    semispinous    Nilsson,    Prodr.    Ichthyol.     Scand.,     1832,    84 

(Scandinavia). 
Caranx   trachurus   Cuvier   &    Valenciennes,    Hist.    Nat.    Poiss.,    IX, 

1833,  n  (part). 

Trachurus  europceus  Gronow,  Cat.  Fish,  1854,  125  (Seas  of  Europe). 

Trachurus  trachurus  Gunther,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus.,   II,   1860,  419 

(part)  ;  Lutken,  (Dan.  Vid.  Selsk.  Skr.,  5  ser.,  XII)  Spolia  At- 

lantica,  1880,  125;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

XLVII,  1896,  910,  PI.  CXL,  fig.  384. 

Trachurus  declivis  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1882, 
358  (not  Caranx  declivis  Jenyns). 

Head  3.25  to  3.75;  depth  3.45  to  4.25;  D.  VII  or  VIII-I,  30  to 
35 ;  A.  II-I,  24  to  27. 

Body  of  moderate  depth,  compressed;  the  back  little  elevated; 
dorsal  and  ventral  outlines  about  evenly  convex;  head  rather  long, 
compressed;  snout  blunt,  13.2  to  4  in  head;  eye  3.25  to  4.38;  mouth 
moderate,  oblique;  lower  jaw  projecting;  maxillary  reaching  slightly 
past  anterior  margin  of  eye,  rarely  to  anterior  margin  of  pupil,  2.4  to 
2.88  in  head;  teeth  weak,  in  a  single  series  on  jaws;  vomer,  palatines 
and  tongue  with  bands  of  villiform  teeth ;  gill-rakers  long  and  slender, 

*For  a  revision  of  this  genus  see  Nichols  (Bull.  Amer.  Mus.  Nat.  Hist.,  XLII, 
1920,  477  to  481),  whose  classification,  with  the  limited  material  available,  we 
are  unable  to  verify. 


338    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

about  two-thirds  the  length  of  eye,  very  close  set  and  difficult  to 
enumerate,  35  to  44  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch ;  scales  small,  covering 
most  of  head;  lateral  line  with  a  prominent  arch,  armed  with  deep 
bony  scutes  for  its  entire  length,  those  on  straight  portion  the  strong- 
est, each  with  a  spine,  forming  a  keel,  the  deepest  about  three- fourths 
the  depth  of  eye,  35  to  45  in  number,  the  curved  portion  usually  nota- 
bly shorter  than  the  straight  part;  first  dorsal  with  rather  long,  slen- 
der spines,  connected  by  membrane;  second  dorsal  and  anal  similar, 
scarcely  elevated  anteriorly,  the  last  ray  of  each  fin  enlarged  and 
nearly  separate  in  adult;  caudal  broadly  forked,  the  lobes  of  about 
equal  length ;  ventrals  rather  small ;  pectorals-  long,  the  upper  rays 
considerably  produced,  reaching  to  or  nearly  to  beginning  of  straight 
part  of  lateral  line,  3.16  to  4.4  in  length  of  body. 

Color  bluish  green  above,  pale  or  silvery  below;  opercle  with 
a  black  spot  on  its  edge  above  its  posterior  angle. 

This  species  was  not  taken  by  us.  It  is  here  described  from  10 
specimens,  ranging  in  length  from  75  to  300  mm. 

Known  from  nearly  all  warm  and  temperate  seas.  Specimens 
examined  by  us  are  from  the  Mediterranean  Sea,  Norway,  Rhode 
Island,  Florida,  Chile  and  Japan. 

253.  Trachums  picturatus  (Bowdich). 

Seriola  picturata  Bowdich,  Excursions  in  Madeira,  1825,  123,  fig.  27 

(Madeira). 
Caranx  trachurus  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  IX,  1833, 

ii  (Mediterranean;  Valparaiso;  part). 
Caranx  cuvieri    Lowe,    Trans.    Zool.    Soc.    London,    II,    1837,    183 

(Madeira). 
Caranx  symmetricus  Ayres,   Proc.    Cal.  Ac.    Sci.,  I,   1855,  62    (San 

Francisco). 

Trachurus  symmetricus  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1862,  260. 
Trachurus  fallax  Capello,  Journ.  Sci.  Math.  Phys.  Nat.  Lisboa,  1867, 

310-318  (Lisbon). 
Caranx  (Trachurus)  cuvieri  Steindachner,  (Sitzb.  k.  Ak.  Wiss.  Wien, 

LXXI)  Ichth.  Beitr.,  II,  1875,  16. 
Trachurus  cuvieri  Lutken,  (Dan.  Vid.  Selsk.  Skr.,  5  ser.,  XII)  Spolia 

Atlantica,  1880,  126. 

Caranx  picturatus  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1882,  269. 
Trachurus  picturatus  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1883, 

191 ;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896, 

909. 


APRIL  15,  1925.    FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.     339 

Head  3.5  to  3.8;  depth  4.5  to  5.3;  D.  VIII-I,  29  to  35;  A.  II-I, 
25  to  29. 

Body  very  elongate,  little  compressed;  the  back  scarcely  elevated; 
dorsal  and  ventral  outlines  about  evenly  convex;  head  low,  little 
compressed ;  snout  blunt,  3.05  to  34  in  head ;  eye  3.34  to  3.9 ;  mouth 
rather  small,  oblique;  lower  jaw  projecting;  maxillary  reaching  to  or 
slightly  past  anterior  margin  of  eye,  2.5  to  2.65  in  head;  teeth  weak, 
in  a  single  series  in  jaws;  vomer,  palatines  and  tongue  with  bands 
of  villiform  teeth;  gill-rakers  long  and  slender,  about  two-thirds 
the  length  of  eye,  very  close  set  and  difficult  to  enumerate,  35  to 
40  on  the  lower  limb  of  first  arch;  scales  small,  covering  most  of 
head;  lateral  line  with  a  prominent  arch,  armed  with  rather  narrow 
bony  scutes  for  its  whole  length,  those  on  straight  portion  the  strong- 
est, each  with  a  spine,  forming  a  keel,  the  deepest  scutes  slightly 
more  than  half  the  depth  of  eye,  40  to  50  in  number,  the  curved 
portion  as  long  as  the  straight  part;  first  dorsal  with  rather  slender 
spines,  connected  by  membrane;  second  dorsal  and  anal  similar,  not 
much  elevated  anteriorly,  the  last  ray  of  each  fin  enlarged,  nearly 
separate  in  adult;  caudal  broadly  forked,  the  lobes  of  about  equal 
length;  ventrals  rather  small;  pectorals  long,  the  upper  rays  more  or 
less  produced,  but  failing  to  reach  beginning  of  straight  part  of 
lateral  line,  3.8  to  4.3  in  length  of  body. 

Color  bluish  green  above,  pale  or  silvery  below;  opercle  with 
a  black  spot  on  its  edge  above  posterior  angle. 

This  species  was  not  taken  by  us.  It  is  here  described  from  16 
specimens,  ranging  in  length  from  130  to  280  mm. 

A  pelagic  species,  widely  distributed  in  nearly  all  open  seas. 
Abundant  on  coast  of  California,  also  recorded  from  the  Galapagos 
Islands  and  Chile.  Not  as  yet  recorded  from  either  coast  of  Panama, 
nor,  in  fact,  from  the  entire  Atlantic  coasts  of  North  and  South 
America.  Specimens  examined  are  from  California,  "Punta  Del- 
gade",  and  "Europe". 

103.  Genus  Hemicaranx  Bleeker. 

Hemicaranx  Bleeker,  Versl.  Ak.  Amsterdam,  XIV,  1862,  135   (type 

Caranx  marginatus  Schlegel). 
Carangops  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1862,  238  (type  Caranx 

heteropygus  Poey). 

Head  small;  maxillary  very  narrow;  teeth  in  the  jaws  in  a  single, 
close  set,  series,  few  or  none  on  vomer,  palatines,  and  tongue;  dorsal 


340    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

and  anal  rather  low  anteriorly,  never  with  salient  lobes,  each  with  a 
wide  sheath  of  scales  at  base.  Other  characters  essentially  as  in 
Caranx. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES. 

a.  Dorsal  and   anal  anteriorly  more  or  less  elevated,  the   outer 
margins  of  fins  not  evenly  convex;  pectoral  fin  falcate,  reach- 
ing much  beyond  beginning  of  straight  portion  of  lateral  line; 
dorsal  spines  long  and  flexible;  body  without  evident  cross- 
bars. 

b.  Dorsal  and  ventral  outlines  about  evenly  curved;  caudal  deeply 
forked,  the  upper  lobe  produced  in  adult,  its  longest  rays  nearly 
equal  to  depth  of  body ;  color  pale  bluish  or  brownish  above ; 
base  of  pectoral  without  a  large  black  blotch. 

amblyrhynchus,  p.  341. 

bb.     Dorsal    outline    anteriorly    more    strongly    curved    than    the 
ventral;  caudal  moderately  forked,  the  upper  lobe  not  much 
,     produced  and  not  equal  to  depth  of  body;  color  bluish  black 
above;  base  of  pectoral  with  a  large  jet  black  blotch. 

c.  Snout    rather    blunt,    its    anterior    profile    gently    elevated; 
maxillary  short,  reaching  to  or  slightly  past  anterior  margin 
of  eye,  3.1  to  3.45  in  head ;  pectorals  long,  2.45  to  2.9  in  length 
of  body ;  fins  mostly  yellowish  green.  atrimanus,  p.  342. 

cc.  Snout  very  blunt,  its  anterior  profile  strongly  elevated;  max- 
illary longer,  reaching  anterior  margin  of  pupil,  2.7  to  3.06 
in  head;  pectorals  shorter,  3.28  to  3.84  in  body;  fins  mostly 
blackish.  zelotes,  p.  343. 

aa.  Dorsal  and  anal  anteriorly  not  elevated,  the  outer  margins  of 
fins  evenly  convex;  pectorals  not  falcate,  reaching  beginning 
of  lateral  line;  dorsal  spines  short  and  stiff;  body  with  evident 
cross-bars,  at  least  in  young. 

d.  Anterior  profile  strongly  convex  over  snout,  ascending  in  an 
almost   straight   oblique  line    from   posterior   nostril   to   first 
dorsal;  lateral  scutes  moderately  developed;  dorsal  and  anal 
high,  the  longest  rays  equal  to  eye  and  postorbital  part  of 
head,  the  last  rays  of  fins  usually  reaching  base  of  outer  caudal 
rays;    caudal   little    forked,    the   lobes    subequal,    broad    and 
round.  leucurus,  p.  344. 

dd.  Anterior  profile  nearly  evenly  convex;  lateral  scutes  very 
strongly  developed ;  dorsal  and  anal  low,  the  longest  rays  equal 
to  postorbital  part  of  head,  the  last  rays  not  nearly  reaching 


APRIL  15,  1925.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.     341 

base  of   outer   caudal   rays;   caudal  moderately   forked,   the 
lobes  subequal,  and  rather  pointed. 

rhomboides  sp.  nov.,  p.  345. 

254.  Hemicaranx  amblyrhynchus  (Cuvier  &  Valenciennes). 
Caranx  amblyrhynchus  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  IX, 

1833,  100,  PI.  CCXLVIII  (Brazil). 
Caranx  falcatus  Holbrook,  Ichth.  South  Carolina,  Ed.  II,  1860,  94, 

PI.  XIII,  fig.  2  (Charleston). 

Caranx  heteropygus  Poey,  Memorias,  II,  1861,  344  (Cuba). 
Carangops  falcatus  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1862,  435. 
Carangops  heteropygus  Poey,  Enumeratio,  1875,  77. 
Hemicaranx  amblyrhynchus  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.   S.   Nat. 

Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  912,  PI.  CX,LI,  fig.  386;  Starks,  Leland  Stan- 
ford Jr.  Univ.  Pub.,  Univ.  Ser.,  1913,  44. 

Head  4.01  to  4.4;  depth  2.04  to  2.5;  D.  VII-I,  27  or  28;  A.  II-I, 
24;  P.  20  to  22;  lateral  scutes  44  to  51. 

Body  oval,  much  compressed;  the  back  elevated;  dorsal  and  ven- 
tral outlines  about  evenly  curved,  the  former  slightly  carinate 
anteriorly ;  head  short  and  deep ;  snout  blunt,  3.8  to  4.35  in  head ;  eye 
3.35  to  3.5 ;  mouth  oblique ;  jaws  subequal ;  maxillary  reaching  anterior 
margin  of  pupil,  2.74  to  2.9  in  head ;  teeth  on  vomer  minute  or  wanting ; 
palatines  and  tongue  with  bands  of  minute  teeth,  those  on  jaws  larger, 
in  a  single  series,  pointed,  and  rather  close  set;  preopercle  with  a 
striated  membranous  border;  gill-rakers  slightly  more  than  half  as 
long  as  eye,  18  to  21  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch;  scales  very  small, 
cycloid;  breast  scaly;  head  and  a  small  triangular  patch  in  front  of 
spinous  dorsal  naked,  except  for  a  few  scattered  scales  on  postorbital 
regions;  lateral  line  with  a  high  arch  anteriorly,  which  is  as  long  as 
head,  the  straight  portion  armed  with  strong  scutes,  each  one  bearing 
a  flattened  spine,  forming  a  lateral  keel;  first  dorsal  with  slender 
spines,  connected  by  membrane;  second  dorsal  and  anal  similar,  only 
slightly  elevated  anteriorly,  none  of  the  anterior  rays  reaching  past 
tips  of  succeeding  rays  when  deflexed,  each  fin  with  a  very  wide 
sheath  of  scales  at  base,  no  scales  on  fins;  caudal  deeply  forked,  the 
upper  lobe  the  longer,  much  produced  in  adult,  its  longest  rays  longer 
than  pectorals,  equal  to  depth  of  body;  ventrals  small;  pectorals  long 
and  falcate,  3.16  to  3.6  in  body. 

Color  bluish  or  brownish  above,  sides  silvery;  a  black  opercular 
spot;  fins  mostly  yellowish  green  in  life;  dorsal  and  caudal  with  black 
margin ;  axil  of  pectoral  dusky. 


342    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

Only  3  specimens,  ranging  from  170  to  260  mm.  in  length,  were 
taken.  The  above  description  is  based  on  these  and  other  specimens 
from  South  Carolina  and  Florida. 

Known  from  Cape  Hatteras  to  Brazil.  Our  specimens  are  from 
Fox  Bay,  Colon,  and  Colon  market. 

255.  Hemicaranx  atrimanus  (Jordan  &  Gilbert). 

Caranx  atrimanus  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  I,  1881 

(1882),  308  (Panama). 
Hemicaranx  atrimanus  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

XLVII,  1896,  913;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV, 

1904,  75 ;  Kendall  &  Radcliffe,  Memoir.  Mus.  Comp.  Zool.,  XXXV, 

1912,  97. 

Head  3.64  to  4.4 ;  depth  2.2  to  2.56 ;  D.  VII-I,  26  or  27 ;  A.  II-I, 
22  to  24;  P.  21  or  22;  lateral  scutes  47  to  57. 

Body  elliptical,  much  compressed;  the  back  elevated;  the  dorsal 
outline  more  strongly  convex  than  the  ventral,  slightly  carinate  in 
front  of  first  dorsal ;  head  rather  small ;  snout  rather  blunt,  its  anterior 
profile  gently  elevated,  3.8  to  4.3  in  head;  eye  3.2  to  3.8;  mouth 
oblique ;  jaws  subequal ;  maxillary  reaching  to  or  slightly  past  anterior 
margin  of  eye,  3.1  to  3.45  in  head;  teeth  on  vomer,  palatines,  and 
tongue  very  small  or  wanting,  those  on  jaws  small,  in  a  single,  close 
set  series;  preopercle  with  a  striated  membranous  border;  gill-rakers 
slightly  more  than  half  the  length  of  eye,  1 8  to  20  on  the  lower  limb 
of  first  arch;  scales  minute,  cycloid;  breast  scaly;  head  and  a  tri- 
angular patch  in  front  of  spinous  dorsal  naked,  except  for  scattered 
scales  on  postorbital  regions ;  lateral  line  with  a  large  arch  anteriorly, 
which  is  usually  notably  longer  than  head,  the  straight  portion  armed 
with  rather  strong  scutes,  of  about  the  width  of  the  pupil,  each  scute 
with  a  compressed  spine,  forming  a  keel;  first  dorsal  with  slender 
spines,  connected  by  membrane,  the  longest  equal  to  length  of  snout; 
second  dorsal  and  anal  similar,  not  greatly  elevated  anteriorly,  the 
longest  rays  not  reaching  past  the  tips  of  any  of  the  succeeding  rays 
when  deflexed ;  each  fin  with  a  wide  sheath  of  scales  at  base ;  no  scales 
on  fins;  caudal  deeply  forked,  the  upper  lobe  the  longer,  moderately 
produced  in  adult,  its  longest  rays  shorter  than  pectorals,  and  not 
quite  equal  to  depth  of  body;  ventrals  small;  pectorals  very  long 
and  falcate,  2.45  to  2.9  in  body. 

Color  bluish  black  above,  silvery  below,  usually  shaded  with  more 
or  less  dusky;  snout  and  opercles  dusky;  cheeks  and  under  surface 
of  head  specked  with  dark  points;  dorsal  dusky;  caudal,  anal  and 


APRIL  15,  1925.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.     343 

pectorals  yellowish  green;  caudal  edged  with  black;  pectorals  with  a 
jet  black  blotch,  involving  the  axil  of  fin  and  the  base  of  all  except 
the  lowest  rays. 

Of  this  species  9  specimens  were  secured,  ranging  from  225  to 
315  mm.  in  length. 

Known  only  from  Panama  Bay.  Our  specimens  are  all  from  the 
Panama  City  market. 

256.  Hemicaranx  zelotes  Gilbert. 

Hemicaranx  zelotes  Gilbert,  in  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat. 

Mus.,  XLVII,  1898,  2845  (Panama) ;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir. 

Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  76,  PI.  XII,  fig.  22 ;  Kendall  &  Radcliffe, 

Memoir.  Mus.  Comp.  Zool.,  XXXV,  1912,  98. 

Head  4.5 ;  depth  2.3  to  273 ;  D.  VIII-I,  27  to  30 ;  A.  II-I,  23  to  25 ; 
P.  20  to  22;  lateral  scutes  46  to  54. 

Body  elliptical,  compressed;  the  dorsal  outline  anteriorly  more 
strongly  convex  than  ventral,  carinate  in  front  of  spinous  dorsal; 
head  small;  snout  very  blunt,  its  anterior  profile  much  elevated,  3.9 
to  4.5  in  head;  eye  3.1  to  3.5;  mouth  oblique;  jaws  subequal;  max- 
illary reaching  anterior  margin  of  pupil,  2.7  to  3.06  in  head;  teeth 
on  vomer,  palatines  and  tongue  minute  or  wanting,  those  on  jaws 
small,  in  a  single,  close  set  series;  preopercle  with  a  striated  mem- 
branous border;  gill-rakers  about  half  the  length  of  eye,  16  to  20 
on  the  lower  limb  of  first  arch;  scales  minute,  cycloid;  breast  scaly; 
head  and  a  triangular  patch  in  front  of  first  dorsal  naked,  except 
for  a  few  scattered  scales  on  postorbital  regions ;  lateral  line  anterior- 
ly with  a  high  arch,  usually  not  exceeding  the  head  in  length,  the 
straight  portion  armed  with  strong  scutes,  which  are  slightly  more 
than  half  as  wide  as  eye,  forming  a  keel;  first  dorsal  with  slender 
spines,  connected  by  membrane,  the  longest  scarcely  as  long  as  snout ; 
second  dorsal  and  anal  similar,  little  elevated  anteriorly,  the  longest 
rays  not  reaching  past  the  tips  of  any  of  the  succeeding  rays  when 
deflexed,  each  fin  with  a  wide  sheath  of  scales  at  base,  no  scales  on 
fins;  caudal  deeply  forked,  the  upper  lobe  the  longer,  its  longest  rays 
longer  than  pectorals,  but  shorter  than  depth  of  body;  ventrals  small; 
pectorals  rather  long  and  falcate,  3.28  to  3.84  in  length  of  body. 

Color  bluish  black  above,  silvery  below,  with  dusky  shades;  snout, 
mandible  and  upper  part  of  opercles  black;  cheeks  and  subopercle 
sprinkled  with  dark,  points;  fins  dusky  or  blackish;  pectorals  as  in  H. 
atriiiianus. 


344    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

Of  this  species  7  specimens,  ranging  from  230  to  275  mm.  in 
length,  were  secured.  It  is  closely  related  to  H.  atrimanus,  from 
which  it  may  be  distinguished  by  its  blunter  snout,  more  strongly  as- 
cending profile,  longer  maxillary,  shorter  pectorals  and  darker  color- 
ation. Usually  the  curved  portion  of  the  lateral  line  is  notably  shorter, 
but,  as  this  is  a  variable  character,  it  is  untrustworthy. 

Known  only  from  Panama  Bay.  Our  specimens  are  from 
Balboa  and  the  Panama  City  market. 

\ 
257.  Hemicaranx  leucurus  (Gunther).     (Plate  XXV,  fig.  i.) 

Caranx  leucurus  Gunther,  Proc.  Zool.  Soc.  London,  1864,  24  (Panama), 

and  Trans.  Zool.  Soc.  London,  VI,  1869,  430. 
Caranx  fiirthii  Steindachner,  (Sitzb.  k.  Akad.  Wiss.  Wien,  LXXII) 

Ichth.  Beitr.,  IV,  1875,  12  (Panama). 
Hemicaranx  fiirthii  Jordan  &  Evermann,   Bull.   U.   S.   Nat.   Mus., 

XLVII,  1896,  914. 
Hemicaranx  leucurus  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.   U.   S.   Nat.   Mus., 

XLVII,   1896,  914;  Kendall  &  Radcliffe,   Memoir.   Mus.   Comp. 

Zool.,  XXXV,  1912,  98. 

Head  3.03  to  3.54;  depth  1.9  to  2.26;  D.  VIII-I.  26  to  30;  A.  II-I, 
22  to  25 ;  P.  20  to  22 ;  lateral  scutes  39  to  45. 

Body  elliptical,  strongly  compressed;  the  back  much  elevated; 
anterior  profile  strongly  convex  over  snout,  ascending  in  a  nearly 
straight,  oblique  line  from  posterior  nostril  to  origin  of  spinous 
dorsal;  ventral  outline  anteriorly  gently  convex;  head  short  and  low; 
snout  blunt,  3.4  to  4.35  in  head ;  eye  3.7  to  4.35 ;  mouth  oblique ; 
jaws  subequal ;  maxillary  reaching  anterior  margin  of  eye,  2.6  to  3.2  in 
head ;  teeth  in  jaws  small,  in  a  single,  close  set  series ;  vomer,  palatines 
and  tongue  toothless;  preopercle  strongly  serrate;  gill-rakers  slightly 
more  than  half  the  length  of  eye,  16  to  20  on  the  lower  limb  of  first  arch ; 
scales  minute ;  breast  scaly ;  head  naked ;  lateral  line  with  a  prominent 
arch,  which  is  slightly  shorter  than  head,  the  straight  portion  armed  with 
rather  strong  scutes,  which  only  in  our  largest  specimens  (100  mm. 
long)  bear  spines;  first  dorsal  with  short  stiff  spines,  connected  by 
membrane,  the  longest  scarcely  as  long  as  eye;  second  dorsal  and 
anal  similar,  of  equal  height,  not  elevated  anteriorly,  their  margins 
evenly  convex,  longest  rays  equal  to  eye  and  postorbital  part  of  head, 
the  posterior  rays  usually  reaching  base  of  outer  rays  of  caudal;  each 
fin  with  a  sheath  of  scales  at  base;  caudal  slightly  forked,  the  lobes 
broad  and  round,  subequal,  as  long  as  pectorals ;  ventrals  small ;  pec- 


FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY. 


ZOOLOGY,   VOL.   XV,    PL.   XXV. 


FIG.  1.    HEMICARANX  LEUCURUS  (Gunther). 

From  a  specimen  57  mm.  in  length. 


FIG.  2.    HEMICARANX  RHOMBOIDES  sp.  nov. 

From  the  type  75  mm.  in  length. 


APRIL  15,  1925.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.     345 

totals  short  and  broad,  reaching  beginning  of  straight  portion  of 
lateral  line,  4.45  to  4.85  in  length  of  body. 

Color  variable,  dark  brown  to  pale  yellowish ;  sides  with  4  to  8  dark 
cross-bars ;  specimens  with  few  bars  lighter  in  color  and  the  bars  much 
wider;  our  largest  specimen  and  several  very  small  specimens  with  in- 
distinct bars;  a  few  of  the  very  smallest  specimens  (25  mm.  long)  with- 
out trace  of  bars;  the  first  bar  usually  forms  a  big,  black  blotch  on 
opercle ;  rarely  also  a  bar  across  the  eyes ;  caudal  pale  or  yellowish ;  other 
fins  dusky  or  black. 

Of  this  species  there  are  125  specimens  in  the  present  collection, 
ranging  from  25  to  107  mm.  in  length.  No  doubt  remains  of  the 
identity  of  this  species  and  Caranx  fiirthii  Steindachner.  The  latter 
was  described  as  having  a  shorter  head  (3.5  in  length  of  body),  and 
differing  from  the  former  in  the  presence  of  a  spine  on  each  lateral 
scute.  Both  of  these  are  clearly  age  characters.  In  our  longest 
specimen,  107  mm.  long,  the  head  is  contained  3.54  times  in  length 
of  body,  and  each  scute  bears  a  well  developed  spine.  In  specimens 
of  about  80  mm.  and  less  in  length  there  is  no  trace  of  spines,  but 
on  slightly  larger  specimens  spines  begin  to  appear  on  the  posterior 
scutes.  When  the  fish  reaches  a  length  of  about  100  mm.  or  more, 
each  scute  is  provided  with  a  well  developed  spine.  Giinther's  type 
specimens  of  H.  leucurus  were  3  inches  long.  Steindachner's  type 
specimens  of  H.  fiirthii  were  from  3  to  5  inches  in  length. 

Known  only  from  Panama  Bay.  Our  specimens  are  all  from 
Giame  Point. 

258.  Hemicaranx  rhomboides  sp.  nov.     (Plate  XXV,  fig.  2.) 

Type  No.  81758,  U.  S.  N.  M.;  length  75  mm.;  Fox  Bay,  Colon, 
Panama. 

Head  3.0  to  3.3;  depth  2.0  to  2.1;  D.  VIII-I,  27  to  29;  A.  II-I, 
24 ;  P.  20 ;  lateral  scutes  38  to  42. 

Body  elliptical,  strongly  compressed;  the  back  elevated;  anterior 
profile  about  evenly  convex;  ventral  outline  anteriorly  not  quite  as 
convex  as  the  dorsal;  head  short  and  rather  deep;  snout  blunt,  3.7 
to  4.25  in  head ;  eye  3.7  to  4.25 ;  mouth  oblique ;  jaws  subequal ; 
maxillary  reaching  anterior  margin  of  eye,  3.1  to  3.2  in  head;  teeth 
in  the  jaws  small,  in  a  single,  close  set  series,  those  on  vomer  and 
palatines  obsolete;  tongue  with  a  very  narrow  band  of  minute  teeth; 
preopercle  strongly  serrate ;  gill-rakers  slightly  more  than  half  the 
length  of  eye,  15  to  17  on  the  lower  limb  of  first  arch;  scales  minute, 
cycloid ;  breast  scaly ;  head  and  a  triangular  patch  in  front  of  spinous 


346    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

dorsal  naked;  lateral  line  with  a  high  arch,  being  equal  to  eye  and 
postorbital  part  of  head;  straight  portion  armed  with  strong  scutes, 
each  of  which  bears  a  small  spine  in  our  larger  specimen,  these 
obsolete  in  the  smaller  one;  first  dorsal  with  stiff  spines,  connected 
by  membrane,  the  longest  scarcely  as  long  as  eye;  second  dorsal  and 
anal  similar,  of  equal  height,  not  elevated  anteriorly,  their  margins 
evenly  convex,  the  longest  rays  as  long  as  postorbital  part  of  head, 
the  posterior  rays  not  nearly  reaching  base  of  outer  rays  of  caudal; 
each  fin  with  a  sheath  of  scales  at  base;  caudal  moderately  forked, 
the  lobes  subequal,  slightly  pointed,  but  not  produced,  longer  than 
pectoral ;  ventrals  small ;  pectorals  short  and  broad,  reaching  beginning 
of  .straight  portion  of  lateral  line,  4.5  to  4.9  in  length  of  body. 

Color  pale  yellowish;  sides  with  5  broad,  dark  brown  cross-bars, 
the  first  crossing  opercles,  leaving  a  big  black  blotch  on  opercle; 
lower  parts  of  head  and  body  with  numerous  dark  points;  dorsal, 
anal,  and  ventrals  black;  pectorals  and  caudal  pale. 

The  species  is  the  Atlantic  representative  of  H.  leucurus,  from 
which  it  is  separated  with  difficulty.  It,  however,  appears  to  have  a 
more  evenly  curved  anterior  profile,  lower  dorsal  and  anal,  a  more 
deeply  forked  caudal,  and  notably  stronger  and  wider  lateral  scutes. 
From  H.  secundus  Poey  (Memorias,  II,  1860,  p.  223),  if  the  des- 
cription can  be  relied  upon,  it  differs  in  the  fewer  pectoral  rays,  30  being 
the  number  given  for  H.  secundus.  Poey  described  the  pectoral  fins  as 
long  and  falcate ;  in  our  immature  specimens  they  are  short  and  rounded. 
The  maxillary  is  said  to  reach  past  anterior  fourth  of  eye;  in  our 
specimens  it  reaches  only  to  anterior  margin  of  eye.  Poey's  description 
was,  however,  based  on  a  specimen  425  mm.  in  length.  Some  of  the 
differences  noted  may,  therefore,  be  due  to  age. 

Only  2  specimens,  respectively  55  and  75  mm.  in  length,  were 
taken  in  Fox  Bay,  Colon. 

104.  Genus  Caranx  Lacepede. 

Caranx  Lacepede,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  Ill,  1802,  57  (type  Scomber  car- 

angus  Bloch=Cara;u-  hippos  Linnaeus ;  as  restricted  by  Bleeker) . 
Tricropterus  Rafinesque,  Caratteri,  etc.,  1810,  41  (type  Scomber  caran- 

gus  B\och=Scomber  hippos  Linnaeus). 
Carangus  Griffith,  in  Cuvier,  Animal  Kingdom,  X,  1834,  335    (type 

Scomber  carangus  Bloch— .SVowfor  hippos  Linnaeus). 
Paratractus  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1862,  330  (type  Caranx  pis- 

quetos  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes=5Vawfor  crysos  Mitchill). 


APRIL  15,  1925.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.     347 

Body  ovate  or  oblong,  compressed ;  dorsal  profile  sometimes  strongly 
convex,  sometimes  only  gently  arched;  head  rather  large,  com- 
pressed; snout  usually  blunt;  mouth  moderate  or  large,  oblique;  jaws 
usually  subequal;  maxillary  with  a  well  developed  supplemental  bone; 
premaxillary  protractile;  teeth  in  the  jaws  more  or  less  unequal,  in 
one  or  a  few  series;  villiform  teeth  usually  present  on  vomer,  pala- 
tines, and  tongue,  deciduous  or  wanting  in  some  species;  preopercle 
with  a  membranous  border,  which  is  usually  more  or  less  serrate;  gill- 
rakers  long;  scales  small;  lateral  line  posteriorly  armed  with  bony 
plates;  first  dorsal  with  rather  slender  spines  depressed  in  a  groove; 
second  dorsal  and  anal  similar,  usually  more  or  less  elevated  anteriorly, 
the  anal  preceded  by  2  rather  strong  spines ;  caudal  fin  strongly  forked ; 
pectoral  fins  long  and  falcate  in  adult,  moderate  in  young. 

KEY    TO    THE    SPECIES. 

a.  Arch  of   lateral  line  very   long  and   low,   much  longer  than 
straight  portion;  lips  thick,  papillose;  teeth  on  vomer  decidu- 
ous or  wanting;  D.  VIII-I,  25;  A.  II-I,  21;  lateral  scutes  23; 
gill-rakers,  exclusive  of  rudiments,  21.  guara,  p.  349. 

aa.     Arch  of  lateral  line  moderate  or  high,  usually  shorter  than 
straight  portion,  never  notably  longer. 

b.  Gill-rakers  rather  few,  13  to  18,  exclusive  of  rudiments,  on  the 
lower  limb  of  the  first  arch. 

c.  Breast  naked,  with  only  a  small  triangular  patch  of  scales  in 
front  of  ventrals;  a  large  opercular  spot  present. 

hippos,  p.  350. 

cc.     Breast  covered  with  small   scales;  opercular  spot  present  or 
wanting. 

d.  Second  dorsal  and  anal  scarcely  elevated  anteriorly,  the  fins 
completely  covered  with  minute  scales ;  no  opercular  spot. 

bartholomai,  p.  351. 

dd.     Second  dorsal  and  anal  moderately,  or  strongly  elevated  an- 
teriorly, only  the  elevated  portions  of  fins  with  minute  scales. 

e.  General  color  brassy  or  blackish;  vertical  fins  dusky  or  black; 
no  opercular  spot ;  none  of  the  mandibular  teeth  enlarged. 

f.  Second  dorsal  and  anal  very  strongly  elevated  anteriorly,  the 
produced  rays  reaching  to  or  past  the  middle  of  base  of  fins; 
gill-rakers  17  or  18;  color  nearly  uniform  brownish  black. 

lugubris,  p.  352. 


348    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

ff.  Second  dorsal  and  anal  only  moderately  elevated,  the  longest 
rays  not  reaching  the  middle  of  base  of  fins;  gill-rakers  15  or 
16;  sides  with  many  scattered  dark  spots,  melampygus,  p.  353. 

ee.  General  color  silvery,  the  vertical  fins  mostly  pale,  or  yellowish 
green  in  life;  a  small  opercular  spot  present;  some  of  the  man- 
dibular  teeth  enlarged,  canine-like. 

g.       Lateral  scutes  35  to  38;  D.  VIII-I,  20  to  23;  A.  II-I,  17  or  18. 

h.  Snout  short,  3.46  to  3.7  in  head;  maxillary  2.0  to  2.2;  gill- 
rakers  13  or  14;  D.  VIII-I,  20  to  22;  A.  II-I,  17  or  18. 

latus,  p.  354. 

hh.  Snout  rather  long,  2.9  to  3.0  in  head ;  maxillary  2.4  to  2.5 ;  gill- 
rakers  17  or  18;  D.  VIII-I,  22  or  23;  A.  II-I,  18. 

medusicola,  p.  355. 

gg.  Lateral  scutes  25  to  30;  D.  VIII-I,  19  or  20;  A.  II-I,  15  to  17; 
gill-rakers  15  to  18.  marginatus,  p.  356. 

bb.  Gill-rakers  numerous,  24  to  32,  exclusive  of  rudiments,  on  the 
lower  limb  of  first  arch;  second  dorsal  and  anal  little  elevated 
anteriorly. 

i.        Second  dorsal  and  anal  long,  the  former  with  27  or  28  rays,  and 
the  latter  with  23  or  24 ;  lateral  scutes  30  to  35 ;  gill-rakers  30 
to  32.  ruber,  p.  357. 

ii.  Second  dorsal  and  anal  shorter,  the  former  with  22  to  25  rays, 
and  the  latter  with  19  to  24;  lateral  scutes  38  to  52;  gill-rakers 
fewer  than  30. 

j.  Body  strongly  compressed,  dorsal  profile  much  more  strongly 
convex  than  the  ventral;  second  dorsal  and  anal  scarcely  ele- 
vated anteriorly,  with  a  very  wide  sheath  of  scales  at  base,  the 
fins  themselves  without  scales;  body  with  8  or  9  dark  cross- 
bars, vinctus,  p.  358. 

jj.  Body  fusiform,  not  very  strongly  compressed,  the  dorsal  and 
ventral  outlines  about  evenly  rounded ;  second  dorsal  and  anal 
slightly  elevated  anteriorly,  each  with  a  rather  narrow  sheath 
of  scales  at  base,  the  fins  wholly  or  partly  covered  with  small 
scales;  body  without  dark  cross-bars. 

k.  Body  moderately  deep,  its  depth  2.8  to  3.0  in  its  length ;  maxil- 
lary 2.3  to  2.5  in  head;  second  dorsal  and  anal  completely 
covered  with  minute  scales ;  gill-rakers  24  or  25.  crysos,  p.  358. 

kk.  Body  elongate,  its  depth  3.1  to  3.5  in  its  length;  maxillary  2.6 
to  2.75  in  head ;  second  dorsal  and  anal  with  scales  on  elevated 
portion  only ;  gill-rakers  27  to  29.  caballus,  p.  359. 


APRIL  15,  1925.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    349 

259.  Caranx  guara  (Bonnaterre). 

Scomber  guara  Bonnaterre,  Tableau  Encyclo.,  Ichth.,  VI,  1788,  139, 

PI.  LVIII. 

Scomber  dentex  Bloch  &  Schneider,  Syst.  Ichth.,  1801,  30  (Brazil). 
Caranx  luna  Geoffroy  St.  Hilaire,  Descr.  Egypte,  Poiss.,  about  1820,  PI. 

XXIII  (Egypt). 
Citula  banksi  Risso,  Hist.  Nat.  Princ.  Prod.  1'Europe,  III,  1826,  422 

(Nice). 
Caranx  solea  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  IX,  1833,  86 

(Brazil). 

Caranx  dentex  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  IX,  1833,  87. 
Caranx  analis  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  IX,  1833,  88 

(St.  Helena). 
Caranx  guara  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII, 

1896,  926. 

Head  2.7;  depth  2.9 ;  D.  VIII-I,  25 ;  A.  II-I,  21 ;  lateral  scutes  23. 

Body  elongate,  compressed ;  dorsal  profile  about  evenly  convex,  only 
slightly  carinate  in  front  of  spinous  dorsal;  lower  outline  anteriorly 
only  gently  rounded;  head  long;  snout  very  long  and  rather  pointed, 
2.2  in  head;  eye  5.7;  mouth  oblique,  jaws  about  subequal;  lips,  unlike 
in  other  species  of  the  genus,  thick  and  papillose ;  maxillary  not  reach- 
ing anterior  margin  of  eye,  2.65  in  head;  teeth  present  on  both  jaws, 
palatines,  and  tongue,  none  on  vomer,  those  in  jaws  in  a  single  row; 
preopercle  with  a  serrate  membranous  border;  gill-rakers  rather  short 
and  strong,  21,  exclusive  of  rudiments,  on  the  lower  limb  of  the  first 
arch;  scales  small,  cycloid;  breast  anteriorly  partly  without  scales; 
cheeks,  opercles  and  postorbital  regions  mostly  scaly,  rest  of  head  scale- 
less  ;  lateral  line  with  a  very  low  arch  anteriorly,  which  is  much  longer 
than  the  straight  portion ;  lateral  scutes  few  and  weak,  caudal  peduncle 
without  a  very  prominent  keel ;  first  dorsal  with  rather  slender  spines ; 
second  dorsal  and  anal  only  very  slightly  elevated  anteriorly,  each  with 
a  sheath  of  scales  at  base,  the  fins  themselves  without  scales;  ventrals 
reaching  vent;  pectorals  long  and  falcate,  3.1  in  length  of  body. 

Color  bluish  above,  sides  silvery;  a  prominent  opercular  spot  pres- 
ent ;  dorsals,  caudal  and  anal  with  dusky ;  other  fins  mostly  pale. 

This  species  was  not  taken  by  us.  The  above  description  is  based 
on  a  single  specimen,  515  mm.  long,  taken  by  the  Albatross  at  Easter 
Island. 

Known  from  the  tropical  parts  of  the  Atlantic  and  the  South  Pacific. 
Not  as  yet  recorded  from  either  coast  of  Panama. 


350    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

260.  Caranx  hippos  (Linnaeus). 

Scomber  hippos  Linnaeus,  Syst.  Nat.,  Ed.  XII,  1766,  494  (Charleston, 
S.  C). 

Scomber  carangus  Bloch,  Naturg.  Ausl.  Fische,  VII,   1793,  69,  PI. 
CCCXL  (East  and  West  Indies). 

Caranx  erithrurus  Lacepede,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  Ill,  1802,  68  (South 
Carolina;  based  on  Scomber  hippos  Linnaeus). 

Caranx  daubentonii  Lacepede,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  Ill,  1802,  71   (Mar- 
tinique; on  a  drawing  by  Plumier). 

Caranx  carangua  Lacepede,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  Ill,  1802,  59,  74  (Mar- 
tinique; on  a  drawing  by  Plumier). 

Caranx  xanthopygus  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  IX, 
1833,  109  (Isle  de  France). 

Caranx  ekala  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  IX,  1833,  117 
(Vizagapatam ;  after  Ekalah  parah  Russell). 

Caranx  antillarum  Bennett,  Whaling  Voyage,  II,  1840,  282  (West  In- 
dies). 

Caranx  defensor  DeKay,  Fauna  N.  Y.,  Fishes,  1842,  120,  PI.  XXIV, 
fig.  72  (New  York). 

Carangus  esculentus  Girard,  U.  S.  &  Mex.  Bound.  Surv.,  II,  Pt.  II, 
Fishes,  1859,  23»  pl-  XI»  %s-  J~3  (Brazos  Santiago,  Texas). 

Carangus  chrysos  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1862,  434  (young). 

Carangus  hippos  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1862,  434. 

Caranx  caninus  Giinther,  Trans.   Zool.  Soc.  London,  VI,   1869,  432 
Panama) . 

Caranx  hippos  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat  Mus.,  1882,  269; 
,  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  920, 
PI.  CXLI,  fig.  387 ;  Boulenger,  Boll.  Mus.  Zool.  Anat.  Torino,  XIV, 
No.  346,  1899,  3;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV, 
1904,  77 ;  Kendall  &  Radcliffe,  Memoir.  Mus.  Comp.  Zool.,  XXXV, 
1912,  99;  Fowler,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1916,  401,  409  (Colon; 
Panama),  and  1917,  131  (Colon). 
Head  2.95  to  3.33;  depth  2.2  to  3.0;  D.  VII  or  VIII-I,  18  to  21 ; 

A.  II-I,  16  or  17;  lateral  scutes  about  25  to  40. 

Body  robust,  compressed;  upper  profile  very  strongly  convex  an- 
teriorly, slightly  carinate  in  front  of  spinous  dorsal ;  lower  outline  only 

slightly  curved  anteriorly;  head  short  and  deep;  snout  very  blunt,  3.3 

to  4  in  head;  eye  2.8  to  4.65;  mouth  slightly  oblique;  jaws  subequal; 

maxillary  reaching  posterior  margin  of  eye,  2.1  to  2.44  in  head;  teeth 

present  on  both  jaws,  vomer,  palatines  and  tongue,  some  of  the  teeth 

in  the  jaws  enlarged,  canine-like;  preopercle  with  a  slightly  serrate 


APRIL  15,  1925.    FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    351 

membranous  border;  gill-rakers  rather  long,  13  to  15,  besides  rudi- 
ments, on  the  lower  limb  of  the  first  arch ;  scales  small,  cycloid ;  breast 
naked,  with  only  a  small  triangular  patch  of  scales  in  front  of  ven- 
trals;  cheeks  and  postorbital  regions  mostly  scaled,  rest  of  head  with- 
out scales;  lateral  line  with  a  long  low  arch,  which  is  usually  only 
slightly  shorter  than  straight  portion;  lateral  scutes  strong  posteriorly, 
forming  a  strong  keel  on  caudal  peduncle;  alimentary  canal  short; 
stomach  with  heavy  muscular  walls ;  first  dorsal  with  slender  spines,  the 
first  very  short  and  disappearing  with  age ;  second  dorsal  and  anal  moder- 
ately elevated  anteriorly,  each  with  a  very  low  scaly  sheath  at  base, 
the  fins  themselves  with  few  or  no  scales;  ventrals  not  quite  reaching 
vent  in  large  examples,  reaching  past  vent  to  origin  of  anal  in  young; 
pectorals  long  and  falcate  in  adult,  proportionately  much  shorter  in 
young,  2.6  to  4.1  in  length  of  body. 

Color  bluish  green  above,  sides  with  a  brassy  luster;  head  mostly 
dusky,  with  a  very  prominent  opercular  spot;  young  with  5  or  6  dark 
cross-bars;  fins  mostly  yellowish  green  in  life;  dorsal  and  caudal 
dusky,  especially  on  their  margin;  axil  of  pectoral  black;  the  lower 
rays  of  pectoral  with  a  black  blotch,  this  indistinct  or  wanting  in  young. 

We  have  120  specimens  of  this  species,  ranging  from  40  to  450 
mm.  in  length.  Of  these  50  are  from  the  Atlantic  coast  and  70  from 
the  Pacific.  A  careful  comparison  of  our  large  series  from  the  two 
coasts  discloses  no  differences  of  importance.  The  ventral  fins  in  the 
Atlantic  specimens  usually  reach  to  or  past  the  vent,  while  in  Pacific 
specimens,  230  mm.  or  more  in  length,  they  usually  do  not  quite  reach 
the  vent.  The  Pacific  specimens  average  a  slightly  larger  number  of 
anal  rays  and  gill-rakers.  The  contents  of  stomachs  examined  consisted 
of  small  fish. 

A  widely  distributed  species;  common  on  both  coasts  of  tropical 
America.  Our  Atlantic  coast  specimens  are  from  Toro  Point;  Mindi 
Cut;  Mindi  Reef;  Colon  market;  Fox  Bay,  Colon;  and  Porto  Bello. 
Pacific  coast  specimens  are  from  Chame  Point ;  tide  streams,  Corozal ; 
tide  streams,  Balboa ;  Panama  Bay,  Balboa,  and  the  Panama  City  market. 

261.  Caranx  bartholomaei  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes. 

Caranx  bartholomai  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.   Nat.  Poiss.,  IX, 

1833,  IO°  (St.  Bartholomew) ;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S. 

Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  919;  Fowler,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila., 

1917,  131  (Colon). 
Caranx  cibi  Poey,  Memorias,  II,  1860,  224  (Cuba). 


352    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

Caranx  beam  Jordan,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1880,  486   (Beaufort, 

N.  C).      , 

Head  2.8  to  3.25;  depth  2.0  to  2.7;  D.  VIII-I,  26  to  28;  A.  II-I, 
22  to  24 ;  lateral  scutes  about  22  to  35. 

Body  rather  deep,  compressed ;  upper  profile  evenly  convex,  slightly 
carinate  anteriorly;  lower  outline  not  quite  as  strongly  convex  as  the 
upper;  head  rather  short  and  blunt;  snout  moderate,  2.76  to  3.4  in 
head ;  eye  2.8  to  3.96 ;  mouth  oblique ;  jaws  subequal ;  maxillary  reach- 
ing slightly  past  anterior  margin  of  eye,  2.25  to  2.5  in  head;  teeth 
small,  present  on  both  jaws,  vomer,  palatines  and  tongue;  preopercle 
with  a  slightly  serrate  membranous  border;  gill-rakers  rather  short, 
17  or  18,  besides  rudiments,  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch;  scales  very 
small,  cycloid ;  breast  fully  scaled ;  cheeks  and  postorbital  regions  most- 
ly scaly ;  rest  of  head  without  scales ;  lateral  line  with  a  long,  low  arch, 
equal  to  or  longer  than  the  straight  portion;  lateral  scutes  weak;  first 
dorsal  with  slender  spines;  second  dorsal  and  anal  only  slightly  ele- 
vated anteriorly,  each  with  a  scaly  sheath  at  base,  the  fins  themselves 
completely  covered  with  minute  scales ;  ventrals  reaching  to  or  slightly 
past  vent;  pectorals  long  and  falcate  in  adult,  proportionately  much 
shorter  in  young,  2.8  to  4.25  in  length  of  body. 

Color  bluish  green  above,  sides  silvery;  young  with  irregular 
brownish  cross-bars;  no  opercular  spot;  spinous  dorsal  dusky,  the 
fins  mostly  pale  in  spirits,  yellowish  green  in  life. 

This  species  is  represented  by  39  specimens,  ranging  from  40  to  150 
mm.  in  length. 

Known  from  North  Carolina  southward  to  Panama.  Our  speci- 
mens are  from  Toro  Point;  Fox  Bay,  Colon,  and  Porto  Bello. 

262.  Caranx  lugubris  Poey. 

Scomber  ascensionis  Bloch  &  Schneider,  Syst.  Ichth.,  1801,  33   (not 

Scomber  ascensionis  of  Osbeck,  which  may  be  Caranx  guara}. 
Caranx  ascensionis  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  IX,  1833, 

102. 
Caranx  lugubris  Poey,  Memorias,  II,  1860,  222  (Cuba)  ;  Snodgrass  & 

Heller,  Proc.  Wash.  Ac.  Sci.,  VI,  1905,  365. 
Caranx  frontalis  Poey,  Memorias,  II,  1860,  222  (Cuba). 
Carangus  lugubris  Poey,  Syn.  Pise.  Cub.,  1868,  365. 

Head  3.15  to  3.5;  depth  2.34  to  2.7;  D.  VII  or  VIII-I,  21  or  22; 
A.  II-I,  17  to  19;  lateral  scutes  26  to  30. 


APRIL  15,  1925.    FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    353 

Body  deep,  strongly  compressed;  dorsal  profile  strongly  convex 
anteriorly,  concave  in  front  of  eyes  in  largest  specimens,  carinate  in 
front  of  spinous  dorsal ;  lower  outline  only  feebly  rounded ;  head  deep ; 
snout  rather  long,  2.6  to  2.95  in  head;  eye  4.05  to  4.7;  mouth  notably 
oblique;  lower  jaw  slightly  projecting;  maxillary  reaching  anterior 
margin  of  pupil,  2.2  to  2.5  in  head ;  teeth  present  on  both  jaws,  vomer, 
palatines,  and  tongue,  only  the  outer  ones  in  upper  jaw  enlarged;  pre- 
opercle  with  a  finely  serrate  membranous  border;  gill-rakers  rather 
strong,  17  or  18,  exclusive  of  rudiments,  on  the  lower  limb  of  first 
arch;  scales  small,  cycloid;  breast  fully  scaled;  cheeks  scaled;  post- 
orbital  regions  and  portions  of  opercle  also  scaly,  rest  of  head  scale- 
less;  lateral  line  with  a  prominent  arch  anteriorly  which  is  about  two- 
thirds  the  length  of  the  straight  portion;  lateral  scutes  strong;  first 
dorsal  with  slender  spines,  the  first  very  short,  disappearing  in  large 
individuals ;  second  dorsal  and  anal  strongly  elevated  anteriorly,  the 
produced  rays  reaching  to  or  past  middle  of  base  of  fins,  each  with  a 
very  low  sheath  of  scales  on  first  half  of  base,  the  fins  with  a  few 
scales  on  the  elevated  portion  only;  ventrals  reaching  to  or  past  vent; 
pectorals  very  long  and  falcate,  2.5  to  2.7  in  head. 

Color  of  alcoholic  specimens  uniform  brownish  black;  no  opercular 
spot ;  fins  all  black  or  dusky. 

This  species  was  not  obtained  by  us.  We  have  examined  6  large 
specimens  from  the  U.  S.  National  Museum  collection,  ranging  from 
335  to  5°°  mm-  m  length.  Of  these  3  are  from  Clarion  Id.,  2  from 
Socorro  Id.,  and  i  from  Cuba.  We  are  unable  to  find  any  differences 
between  the  Atlantic  and  the  Pacific  specimens. 

Known  principally  from  rocky  islands  in  the  tropical  parts  of  the 
Atlantic  and  Pacific.  Not  as  yet  recorded  from  either  coast  of  Panama. 

263.  Caranx  melampygus  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes. 

Caranx  ntelampygus  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  IX, 
1833,  116  (East  Indies)  ;  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 
1881,  230;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII, 
1896,  925 ;  Snodgrass  &  Heller,  Proc.  Wash.  Ac.  Sci.,  VI,  1905, 

365. 
Caranx  bixanthopterus  Riippell,  Neue  Wirbelthiere,   1837,  49    (Red 

Sea). 
Caranx  stellatus  Eydoux  &  Souleyet,  Voy.  Bonite,  Poiss.,  1841,  167 

(Hawaiian  Islands). 

Head  3.1  to  3.4;  depth  2.3  to  2.9;  D.  VIII-I,  21  to  23;  A.  II-I,  18 
or  19;  lateral  scutes  28  to  36. 


354    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

Body  elongate,  much  compressed;  the  upper  profile  strongly  con- 
vex anteriorly,  carinate  in  front  of  spinous  dorsal ;  lower  outline  little 
convex  anteriorly;  head  rather  short;  snout  rather  long  and  pointed, 

2.6  to  3.46  in  head;  eye  3.46  to  5.4;  mouth  slightly  oblique;  jaws  sub- 
equal;  maxillary  reaching  to  or  slightly  past  anterior  margin  of  eye, 
2.5  to  2.65  in  head;  teeth  present  on  both  jaws,  vomer,  palatines  and 
tongue,  the  outer  ones  in  upper  jaws  slightly  enlarged ;  preopercle  with 
a  serrate  membranous  border;  gill-rakers  rather  slender,   15  or    16, 
exclusive  of  rudiments,  on  the  lower  limb  of  first  arch;  scales  small, 
cycloid ;  breast  fully  scaled ;  cheeks  and  postorbital  regions  mostly  scaly, 
the  rest  of  head  scaleless ;  lateral  line  anteriorly  with  a  rather  promi- 
nent arch,  about  three-fourths  the  length   of   the   straight   portion; 
lateral  scutes  moderate ;  first  dorsal  with  slender  spines ;  second  dorsal 
and  anal  moderately  elevated  anteriorly,  the  produced  rays  not  reach- 
ing middle  of  base  of  fins,  each  with  a  sheath  of  scales  at  base,  only 
the  elevated  portions  of  fins  with  small  scales ;  ventrals  reaching  to  or 
past  vent ;  pectorals  long  and  falcate  in  adult,  much  shorter  in  young, 

2.7  to  3.2  in  length  of  body. 

Color  brownish  black,  or  silvery ;  no  opercular  spot ;  head  and  sides 
with  scattered  black  spots,  these  wanting  in  young;  fins  mostly  dusky 
or  black. 

This  fish  was  not  taken  by  us.  It  is  a  widely  distributed  species,  oc- 
curing  about  islands  in  the  Pacific  Ocean.  We  have  examined  one  speci- 
men, 420  mm.  long,  from  Cocos  Island  and  several  smaller  specimens 
from  Vavan  Tonga  Islands.  The  latter  are  not  nearly  as  dark  in  color 
as  the  large  specimen. 

264.  Caranx  latus  Agassiz.     (Plate  XXVI,  fig.  i.) 

Caranx  latus  Agassiz,  in  Spix,  Pise.  Brasil.,  1831,  105  (Brazil)  ;  Jor- 
dan &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  923,  PI. 
CXLII,  fig.  389;  Fowler,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1917,  132 
(Colon). 

Caranx  lepturus  Agassiz,  in  Spix,  Pise.  Brasil.,  1831,  106  (Brazil). 

Caranx  fallax  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  IX,  1833,  95 
(Antilles;  Brazil). 

Caranx  richardi  Holbrook,  Ichth.  South  Carolina,  Ed.  II,  1860,  94, 
PI.  XIII,  fig.  i  (South  Carolina). 

Carangus  fallax  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1862,  433. 

Caranx  aureus  Poey,  Enumeratio,  1875,  76  (Cuba). 

Head  2.9  to  3.2;  depth  2.3  to  2.6;  D.  VIII-I,  20  to  22;  A.  II-I,  17 

or  18 ;  lateral  scutes  35  to  38. 


FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY. 


ZOOLOGY,   VOL.    XV,    PL.   XXVI. 


FIG.  1.    CARANX  LATUS  Agassiz. 

From  a  specimen  65  mm.  in  length. 


FIG.  2.    CARANX  MARGINATUS  (Gill). 

From  a  specimen  105  mm.  in  length. 


APRIL  15,  1925.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    355 

Body  elongate,  compressed ;  the  upper  profile  anteriorly  very  strong- 
ly convex,  carinate;  lower  outline  anteriorly  little  curved;  head  rather 
large;  snout  blunt,  3.46  to  3.7  in  head;  eye  3.1  to  3.6;  mouth  oblique; 
jaws  subequal,  or  the  lower  slightly  projecting;  maxillary  reaching 
posterior  margin  of  pupil,  2.0  to  2.2  in  head;  teeth  present  on  both 
jaws,  vomer,  palatines  and  tongue,  some  of  the  outer  ones  in  the 
jaws  enlarged,  canine-like;  preopercle  with  a  slightly  serrate  mem- 
branous border;  gill-rakers  rather  slender,  13  or  14,  exclusive  of  rudi- 
ments, on  the  lower  limb  of  the  first  arch;  scales  small,  cycloid;  breast 
fully  scaled;  cheeks  scaly;  postorbital  regions  with  few  scattered 
scales,  the  rest  of  head  scaleless;  lateral  line  anteriorly  with  a  strong 
arch,  which  is  about  three- fourths  the  length  of  the  straight  portion; 
lateral  scutes  of  moderate  size,  forming  a  distinct  keel  on  caudal  pe- 
duncle; first  dorsal  with  slender  spines;  second  dorsal  and  anal  only 
moderately  elevated  anteriorly,  each  with  a  very  low  sheath  of  scales 
at  base;  ventrals  reaching  from  slightly  past  vent  nearly  to  origin  of 
anal ;  pectorals  long  and  falcate  in  adult,  proportionately  much  shorter 
in  young,  2.75  to  4.3  in  length  of  body. 

Color  bluish  above,  sides  silvery;  very  young  with  5  or  6  dark 
cross-bars;  a  small  opercular  spot  present,  another  very  small  black 
spot  at  upper  anterior  angle  of  opercle;  spinous  dorsal  and  elevated 
portion  of  soft  dorsal  black;  caudal  with  more  or  less  dusky;  other 
fins  pale  in  spirits,  yellowish  green  in  life. 

This  is  the  most  abundant  of  all  the  species  of  this  genus  on  the 
Atlantic  coast  of  Panama.  One  hundred  and  ten  specimens,  ranging 
from  40  to  250  mm.  in  length,  were  preserved. 

Known  from  the  Atlantic  coast  of  tropical  America.  All  Pacific 
coast  records  we  believe  to  be  referable  to  either  C.  marginatus  or  C. 
medusicola.  (See  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Fishes  of  Panama  Bay,  Memoir. 
Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  Vol.  IV,  1904,  p.  78.)  Our  specimens  are  from  Toro 
Point;  Creek  near  Mindi  Cut;  Mindi  Cut;  Fox  Bay,  Colon;  Colon 
market;  Rio  Cascajal,  Porto  Bello,  and  Porto  Bello  Bay. 

265.  Caranx  medusicola  Jordan  &  Starks. 

Caranx  medusicola  Jordan  &  Starks,  in  Jordan,  Proc.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  2nd 

Ser.,  V,  1895,  430  (Mazatlan)  ;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat. 

Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  924,  PI.  CXLIII,  fig.  390;  Gilbert  &  Starks, 

Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  78. 

This  species  was  not  seen  by  us.  It  is  recorded  as  (Gilbert  &  Starks, 
1904,  p.  78)  differing  from  C.  marginatus  in  having  a  deeper  body,  and 
more  plates  in  the  lateral  line,  36  to  38.  From  C.  latus  it  is  said  to  dif- 


356    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

f er :  in  the  shorter  maxillary,  2.4  to  2.5  in  head ;  in  the  longer  snout,  2.9 
to  3.0  in  head;  in  the  more  numerous  gill-rakers,  17  or  18  on  the  lower 
limb  of  the  first  arch;  and  in  the  slightly  more  numerous  dorsal  and 
anal  rays,  22  or  23  dorsal  rays,  18  anal  rays. 
Recorded  from  Mazatlan  and  Clarion  Island. 

266.  Caranx  marginatus  (Gill).    (Plate  XXVI,  fig.  2.) 
Carangus  marginatus  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1863,  166  (Pan- 
ama) . 
Caranx  hippos  Giinther,  Trans.  Zool.  Soc.  London,  Vol.  VI,   1869, 

431  (in  part). 

Caranx  latus  Jordan  &  Bollman,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1889,  180. 
Caranx  marginatus  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII, 

1896,  922;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  78; 

Kendall  &  Radcliffe,  Memoir.  Mus.  Comp.  Zool.,  XXXV,  1912,  99. 

Head  3.05  to  3.3;  depth  2.24  to  2.7;  D.  VIII-I,  19  or  20;  A.  II-I, 
15  to  17;  lateral  scutes  25  to  30. 

Body  rather  deep,  compressed;  dorsal  profile  rather  strongly  and 
evenly  convex,  carinate  in  front  of  spinous  dorsal ;  lower  outline  not  as 
strongly  curved  as  the  upper;  head  rather  large;  snout  blunt,  3.2  to 
3.85  in  head;  eye  3.1  to  3.6;  mouth  oblique;  jaws  subequal,  or  the 
lower  slightly  projecting;  maxillary  reaching  to  or  slightly  past  middle 
of  eye,  2.05  to  2.45  in  head ;  teeth  present  on  both  jaws,  vomer,  pala- 
tines and  tongue,  some  of  the  outer  ones  in  the  jaws  enlarged,  canine- 
like;  preopercle  with  a  smooth  membranous  border;  gill-rakers  rather 
long,  15  to  18,  exclusive  of  rudiments,  on  the  lower  limb  of  first  arch; 
scales  small,  cycloid;  breast  fully  scaled;  cheeks  and  postorbital  re- 
gions mostly  with  scales,  the  rest  of  head  scaleless;  lateral  line  with  a 
prominent  arch  anteriorly,  which  is  about  two-thirds  the  length  of  the 
straight  portion ;  lateral  scutes  rather  large,  forming  a  distinct  keel  on 
caudal  peduncle;  first  dorsal  with  slender  spines;  second  dorsal  and 
anal  moderately  elevated  anteriorly,  each  with  a  very  low  scaly  sheath 
at  base  of  first  half  of  fins,  only  the  elevated  portion  of  fins  covered 
with  small  scales ;  ventrals  reaching  slightly  past  vent  in  adult  and  nearly 
to  origin  of  anal  in  young;  pectorals  long  and  falcate  in  adult,  pro- 
portionately much  shorter  in  young,  2.7  to  4.0  in  length  of  body. 

Color  bluish  above,  sides  silvery;  young  with  5  or  6  dark  cross- 
bars, which  disappear  with  age ;  a  small  opercular  spot  present,  another 
small  spot  above  it  at  the  upper  anterior  angle  of  opercle ;  spinous  dor- 
sal and  the  elevated  portion  of  the  second  dorsal  usually  dusky ;  other 
fins  mostly  plain. 


APRIL  15,  1925.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    357 

This  species  is  represented  by  19  specimens,  ranging  from  55  to 
105  mm.  in  length.  It  is  very  closely  related  to  C.  latus,  from  which 
it,  however,  may  be  separated  by  the  fewer  scutes  in  the  straight  por- 
tion of  the  lateral  line,  and  by  the  more  numerous  gill-rakers.  It  also 
averages  a  smaller  number  of  dorsal  and  anal  rays. 

Known  from  Mazatlan  to  Panama  Bay.  Our  specimens  are  from 
Chame  Point ;  Taboga  Island ;  and  tide  pools,  Balboa. 

267.  Caranx  ruber  (Bloch). 

Scomber   ruber    Bloch,    Naturg.    Ausl.    Fische,   VII,    1793,    75,    PI. 

CCCXLII  (Ste.  Croix). 
Caranx  ruber  Bloch  &  Schneider,  Syst.  Ichth.,  1801,  29;  Jordan  & 

Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  919. 
Caranx  blochii  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  IX,  1833,  69 

(Ste.  Croix)  ;  Giinther,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus.,  II,  1860,  430. 
Caranx  iridinus  Poey,  Memorias,  II,  1860,  226  (Cuba). 
Carangoides  iridinus  Poey,  Syn.  Pise.  Cub.,  1868,  366. 

Head  3.4  to  3.65;  depth  2.9  to  3.26;  D.  VIII-I,  27  or  28;  A.  II-I, 
23  or  24 ;  lateral  scutes  about  30  to  35. 

Body  elongate,  compressed ;  the  upper  profile  evenly  convex,  slightly 
carinate  anteriorly;  the  lower  outline  only  slightly  curved  in  front  of 
anal ;  head  long  and  tapering ;  snout  long,  2.9  to  3.05  in  head ;  eye  3.64 
to  4.3;  mouth  slightly  oblique;  jaws  subequal;  maxillary  reaching  an- 
terior margin  of  eye,  2.55  to  2.8  in  head;  teeth  small,  present  on  both 
jaws,  vomer,  palatines  and  tongue;  preopercle  with  a  rather  smooth 
membranous  border;  gill-rakers  long  and  slender,  30  to  32,  besides 
rudiments,  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch;  scales  small,  cycloid;  breast 
fully  scaled;  cheeks  and  postorbital  region  scaly,  rest  of  head  mostly 
without  scales;  lateral  line  with  a  low  arch  which  is  nearly  as  long  as 
the  straight  portion;  lateral  scutes  rather  weak;  first  dorsal  composed 
of  slender  spines;  second  dorsal  and  anal  only  slightly  elevated  an- 
teriorly, each  with  a  low  sheath  of  scales  at  base,  the  fins  entirely  cov- 
ered with  scales;  ventrals  reaching  vent;  pectorals  long  and  falcate  in 
adult,  proportionately  shorter  in  young,  3.35  to  3.4  in  length  of  body. 

Color  mostly  bluish  above,  silvery  below;  dorsal  and  anal  dusky; 
lower  lobe  of  caudal  with  a  dusky  bar. 

This  species  was  not  taken  by  us.  It  is  recorded  from  North  Caro- 
lina, the  Bahama  Islands  and  southward  to  Cozumel.  It  is  here  de- 
scribed from  specimens  from  Nassau  and  Havana,  ranging  in  length 
from  220  to  300  mm. 


358    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

268.  Caranx  vinctus  Jordan  &  Gilbert. 

Caranx  vinctus  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1881,  349 

(Mazatlan) ;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII, 

1896,  918;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  77. 

Head  3.4  to  3.75;  depth  2.6  to  3.0;  D.  VII  or  VIII-I,  22  to  24;  A. 
II-I,  19  to  21 ;  lateral  scutes  44  to  50. 

Body  elongate,  compressed ;  the  upper  profile  evenly  convex,  slight- 
ly carinate  in  front  of  spinous  dorsal;  lower  outline  anteriorly  only 
slightly  convex ;  head  rather  long,  tapering ;  snout  2.8  to  3.5  in  head ; 
eye  3.9  to  4.4;  mouth  slightly  oblique;  jaws  subequal;  maxillary  reach- 
ing slightly  past  anterior  margin  of  eye,  2.75  to  2.9  in  head;  teeth  on 
premaxillary  and  mandible  small,  in  a  narrow  band,  becoming  a  single 
series  laterally  on  mandible,  similar  teeth  on  vomer,  palatines  and 
tongue;  preopercle  with  a  nearly  smooth  membranous  border;  gill- 
rakers  long,  24  to  26,  besides  rudiments,  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch ; 
scales  small,  cycloid ;  breast  entirely  scaled ;  cheeks  scaly,  rest  of  head 
mostly  scaleless;  lateral  line  with  a  strong  arch  anteriorly,  notably 
shorter  than  the  straight  portion;  lateral  scutes  strong;  first  dorsal 
with  slender  spines,  the  first  very  short,  disappearing  with  age ;  second 
dorsal  and  anal  scarcely  elevated  anteriorly,  each  long  and  low  with  a 
very  wide  sheath  of  scales  at  base ;  no  scales  on  fins ;  ventrals  reaching 
to  or  slightly  past  vent;  pectorals  in  adult  very  long  and  falcate,  2.85 
to  3.1  in  length  of  body. 

Color  bluish  or  brown  above,  silvery  below ;  sides  with  8  or  9  dark 
bars,  extending  from  back  to  below  lateral  line;  head  mostly  dusky; 
opercle  with  a  distinct  black  spot;  dorsal  and  anal  with  more  or  less 
dusky,  other  fins  mostly  pale. 

Of  this  species  only  2  specimens,  ranging  from  265  to  355  mm.  in 
length,  were  taken.  We  have  had  for  comparison  the  type  and  3  other 
large  specimens  from  Mazatlan. 

Known  from  the  Gulf  of  California  to  Panama.  Our  specimens 
were  bought  in  the  Panama  City  market. 

269.  Caranx  crysos  (Mitchill).     (Plate  XXVII.) 

Scomber  crysos  Mitchill,  Trans.  Lit.  &  Phil.  Soc.  N.  Y.,  I,  1815,  424 

(New  York). 
Caranx  pisquetus  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  IX,  1833, 

97  (San  Domingo,  Cuba,  and  Brazil). 
Caranx  crysos  DeKay,  Fauna  N.  Y.,  Fishes,  1842,  121,  PI.  XXVII,  fig. 

85;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  921, 

PI.  CXLII,  fig.  388;  Fowler,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1916,  401 

(Colon),  and  1917,  131  (Colon). 


APRIL  15,  1925.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    359 

Trachurus  squantosus  Gronow,  Cat.  Fish,  1854,  125  (Carolina). 
Paratractus  pisquetus  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1862,  432. 
Caranx  chrysus  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1883,  199. 

Head  3.3  to  3.7;  depth  2.8  to  3.0;  D.  VIII-I,  23  to  25;  A.  II-I,  19 
to  20 ;  lateral  scutes  40  to  50. 

Body  elongate,  rather  slender,  compressed;  dorsal  and  ventral  out- 
lines about  evenly  rounded,  the  dorsal  carinate  anteriorly;  head  rather 
short;  snout  blunt,  3.25  to  3.75  in  head;  eye  3.2  to  4.1 ;  mouth  oblique; 
jaws  subequal;  maxillary  reaching  about  middle  of  eye,  2.3  to  2.5  in 
head;  teeth  present  on  both  jaws,  vomer,  palatines  and  tongue,  some 
of  the  outer  teeth  in  jaws  slightly  enlarged ;  preopercle  with  a  slightly 
serrate  membranous  border;  gill-rakers  rather  long  and  slender,  24  or 
25,  exclusive  of  rudiments,  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch;  scales  small, 
cycloid ;  breast  completely  scaled ;  cheeks  and  postorbital  region  mostly 
scaled,  rest  of  head  without  scales;  lateral  line  with  a  prominent  arch 
anteriorly,  which  is  usually  only  about  two-thirds  the  length  of  the 
straight  portion ;  lateral  scutes  strong  posteriorly,  forming  a  prominent 
keel  on  caudal  peduncle;  first  dorsal  with  slender  spines;  second  dor- 
sal and  anal  only  slightly  elevated  anteriorly,  very  low  posteriorly, 
each  with  a  wide  sheath  of  scales  at  base,  the  fins  themselves  covered 
with  small  scales,  at  least  anteriorly;  ventrals  not  quite  reaching  vent 
in  adult,  reaching  to  or  past  vent  in  young ;  pectorals  long  and  falcate  in 
adult,  proportionately  shorter  in  young,  3.0  to  3.6  in  length  of  body. 

Color  bluish  above,  silvery  below;  a  black  opercular  spot  present; 
spinous  dorsal  and  margin  of  dorsal  and  caudal  dusky;  other  fins 
mostly  pale. 

Of  this  species  only  6  specimens,  ranging  from  130  to  165  mm.  in 
length,  were  obtained. 

Known  from  Cape  Cod  to  Brazil.  Our  specimens  are  from  Fox 
Bay,  Colon,  and  Colon  market. 

270.  Caranx  caballus  Gunther.    (Plate  XXVIII.) 

Trachurus  boops  Girard   (House  of  Repr.  Ex.  Doc.  No.  91)   Rept. 

Expl.  &  Surv.  Miss.  R.  to  Pac.  O.,  X,  Pt.  IV,  1858,  108  (San 

Diego;  not  Caranx  boops  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes). 
Caranx  boops  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1862,  261. 
Caranx  caballus  Gunther,  Trans.  Zool.   Soc.  London,  VI,  1869,  431 

(Panama)  ;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  78; 

Kendall  &  Radcliffe,  Memoir.  Mus.  Comp.  Zool.,  XXXV,  1912,  99; 

Fowler,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1916,  409  (Panama). 


360    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

Caranx  girardi  Steindachner,  (Sitzb.  k.  Ak.  Wiss.  Wein.,  LX)  Ichth. 

Notizen,  IX,  1869,  25  (San  Diego). 

Head  34  to  37;  depth  3.1  to  3.5;  D.  VIII-I,  23  or  24;  A.  II-I, 
19  to  21 ;  lateral  scutes  38  to  52. 

Body  elongate,  rather  fusiform,  not  as  strongly  compressed  as  in 
related  species;  dorsal  and  ventral  outlines  about  evenly  rounded,  the 
dorsal  outline  slightly  carinate  anteriorly  only  in  young;  head  moder- 
ate; snout  blunt,  3.5  to  4.05  in  head;  eye  3.2  to  4.3;  mouth  oblique; 
jaws  subequal ;  maxillary  not  quite  reaching  middle  of  eye,  2.6  to  2.75 
in  head;  teeth  present  on  both  jaws,  vomer,  palatines  and  tongue, 
some  of  the  outer  ones  on  upper  jaw  slightly  enlarged;  preopercle 
with  an  almost  smooth  membranous  border ;  gill-rakers  slender,  27  to 
29,  exclusive  of  rudiments,  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch;  scales  small, 
cycloid;  breast  fully  scaled;  cheeks  and  postorbital  regions  scaled,  the 
rest  of  head  scaleless;  lateral  line  with  a  prominent  arch  anteriorly, 
which  is  usually  only  slightly  more  than  half  as  long  as  the  straight 
portion;  lateral  scutes  moderate;  first  dorsal  with  slender  spines;  sec- 
ond dorsal  and  anal  only  slightly  elevated  anteriorly,  very  low  pos- 
teriorly, each  with  a  low  scaly  sheath  at  base,  the  elevated  portion  of 
fins  covered  with  small  scales;  the  ventrals  not  reaching  vent  except 
in  young ;  pectorals  very  long  and  falcate  in  adult,  proportionately  much 
shorter  in  young,  2.63  to  4.25  in  length  of  body. 

Color  bluish  gray  above,  silvery  below;  head  mostly  dusky;  a  black 
opercular  spot  present;  dorsals  and  caudal  dusky;  other  fins  usually 
mostly  pale. 

Ten  specimens,  ranging  from  205  to  355  mm.  in  length,  were  se- 
cured. This  species  is  very  closely  related  to  C.  crysos,  from  which  it, 
however,  may  be  distinguished  by  the  less  compressed  and  shallower 
body,  slightly  smaller  mouth,  and  the  more  numerous  gill-rakers. 

Known  from  San  Diego  to  Peru.  Our  specimens  are  from  Panama 
Bay,  Balboa,  and  the  Panama  City  market. 

105.  Genus  Gnathanodon  Bleeker. 
Gnathanodon   Bleeker,   Nat.   Tijds.   Ned.— Ind.,   I,    1851,    160    (type 

Scomber  speciosus  Forskal). 
Hypocaranx  Klunzinger,  Fische  des  Rothen  Meeres,  1884,  92   (type 

Scomber  speciosus  Bloch). 

This  genus  differs  from  Caranx  chiefly  in  the  dentition.  Teeth  very 
small,  present  only  on  the  jaws  and  tongue;  those  on  jaws  entirely 
lost  with  age. 


APRIL  15,  1925.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    361 

271.  Gnathanodon  speciosus  (Forskal). 

Scomber  speciosus   Forskal,    Descr.   Animal.,    1775,   54    (Red    Sea). 
Scomber  rim  Forskal,  Descr.  Animal.,  1775,  54  (Djidda,  Arabia). 
Caranx  poloosoo  Richardson,  Voy.  Erebus  &  Terror,  Ichth.,  1844,  PI. 

LVIII,  figs.  4  and  5;  called  Caranx  speciosus  in  text  (Australia). 
Gnathanodon  speciosus  Bleeker,  Verb.  Bat.  Gen.,  XXIV,  Makreele, 

1852,  6,  12;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII, 

1896,  928;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  79. 
Caranx  speciosus  Giinther,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus.,  II,  1860,  444,  and 

Trans.  Zool.  Soc.  London,  VI,  1869,  431. 
Caranx  panamensis  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1863,  166  (Panama). 

Head  3.0  to  3.25;  depth  2.15  to  2.32;  D.  VII-I,  19  or  20;  A.  II-I, 
15  or  16;  lateral  scutes  weak,  about  12  to  15. 

Body  deep,  strongly  compressed ;  dorsal  profile  very  strongly  con- 
vex; lower  outline  gently  curved;  head  rather  short;  snout  blunt,  2.4 
to  2.65  in  head;  eye  4.3  to  5.4;  mouth  slightly  oblique;  jaws  subequal, 
the  lower  slightly  included ;  maxillary  reaching  to  or  slightly  past  an- 
terior margin  of  eye,  2.4  to  2.5  in  head ;  teeth  minute,  present  on  jaws 
and  tongue,  those  on  jaws  disappearing  entirely  with  age;  preopercle 
with  a  practically  smooth  membranous  edge;  gill-rakers  rather  short, 
18  or  19,  exclusive  of  rudiments,  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch;  scales 
small,  cycloid;  breast  scaled;  cheeks  and  postorbital  regions  mostly 
with  scales,  the  rest  of  head  scaleless;  lateral  line  with  a  low  arch, 
which  is  nearly  as  long  as  the  straight  portion;  lateral  scutes  few  and 
very  weak,  not  forming  an  evident  keel  on  caudal  peduncle ;  first  dor- 
sal with  only  7  spines ;  second  dorsal  and  anal  not  greatly  elevated  an- 
teriorly, each  with  a  narrow  sheath  of  scales  at  base  of  first  half  of 
fin,  the  fins  without  scales ;  pectorals  long  and  falcate  in  adult,  propor- 
tionately shorter  in  young,  2.5  to  3.2  in  length  of  body. 

Color  brownish  green  above;  below  golden  in  life,  mostly  pale  in 
spirits;  sides  with  about  6  broad  dusky  cross-bars;  a  narrow  stripe 
between  each  pair  of  bands;  opercular  spot  obsolete;  fins  mostly  yel- 
lowish green  in  life;  axil  of  pectoral  black. 

Only  3  specimens,  ranging  from  225  to  500  mm.  in  length,  were 
taken. 

Known  from  the  tropical  parts  of  the  Pacific  and  Indian  oceans. 
Our  specimens  are  from  Panama  Bay,  Balboa,  and  Panama  City  market. 

106.  Genus  Gtula  Cuvier. 

Citula  Cuvier,  Regne  Animal,  Ed.  I,  1817,  315   (type  Sciana  anna t a 
Forskal). 


362    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

Body  deep,  compressed,  elongate  in  adult,  more  or  less  ovate  in 
young,  but  never  as  much  so  as  in  Alec t is;  head  rather  short,  not  much, 
if  any,  deeper  than  long,  its  anterior  profile  not  very  steep,  rather 
gently  and  evenly  convex;  snout  blunt,  well  in  advance  of  forehead; 
teeth  minute,  in  bands  on  jaws,  vomer,  palatines  and  tongue;  scales 
small,  but  larger  than  Alec  t  is;  lateral  line  with  rather  large  bony  scutes 
on  its  straight  portion;  first  dorsal  with  6  spines,  the  posterior  ones 
very  short,  becoming  obsolete  with  age ;  second  dorsal  and  anal  similar, 
the  first  ray  of  each  fin  with  a  filament,  which  is  proportionately  longer 
in  young  than  in  adult,  but  never  reaches  the  extreme  proportions  of 
Alectis;  spines  preceding  anal  short,  becoming  obsolete  with  age;  ven- 
tral fins  proportionately  much  longer  in  young  than  in  adult. 

272.  Citula  dorsalis  (Gill). 

Carangoides    dorsalis   Gill,    Proc.    Ac.    Nat.    Sci.    Phila.,    1863,    166 

(Panama). 
Caranx  dorsalis  Giinther,  Trans.  Zool.  Soc.  London,  VI,  1869,  432; 

Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,   1882,  375;  Gilbert  & 

Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  79. 
Caranx  otrynter  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1883,  202  (a 

new  name  as  a  substitute  for  dorsalis;  preoccupied  in  Caranx,  if 

Vomer  dorsalis  is  regarded  as  a  species  of  Caranx). 

Head  3.0  to  3.35;  depth  1.57  to  2-1 ;  D.  VI-I,  18  or  19;  A.  II-I,  16 
or  17. 

Body  deep,  elongate  in  adult,  more  or  less  ovate  in  young,  rather 
strongly  compressed;  the  back  moderately  elevated;  anterior  profile 
about  evenly  convex ;  outlines  of  body  with  a  very  broad  angle  at 
origin  of  second  dorsal  and  anal;  head  rather  short,  but  not  much 
deeper,  if  any,  than  long;  eye  moderate;  snout  blunt,  well  in  advance 
of  forehead,  2.42  to  3.2  in  head ;  eye  3.46  to  4.45 ;  mouth  rather  large, 
oblique;  jaws  subequal;  maxillary  broad,  usually  not  quite  reaching 
middle  of  eye,  2.13  to  2.5  in  head;  teeth  minute,  in  bands  on  jaws, 
vomer,  palatines  and  tongue;  gill-rakers  short  and  rather  strong,  15 
to  17  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch;  scales  small;  breast  fully  scaled; 
cheeks  and  postorbital  regions  mostly  scaly,  the  rest  of  head  naked; 
lateral  line  with  a  rather  long  and  low  arch,  the  straight  portion  armed 
with  bony  scutes,  which  form  a  keel  on  caudal  peduncle;  first  dorsal 
with  short  spines,  the  posterior  ones  becoming  obsolete  with  age;  sec- 
ond dorsal  and  anal  similar,  much  elevated  anteriorly,  the  first  ray  of 
each  fin  bearing  a  filament,  which  in  young  reaches  past  tip  of  caudal ; 
caudal  deeply  forked,  the  lobes  of  equal  length ;  ventrals  nearly  as  long 


APRIL  15,  1925.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    363 

as  head  in  our  smallest  specimens,  shorter  than  snout  in  adult ;  pectorals 
long  and  falcate,  2.3  to  2.55  in  length  of  body. 

Color  bluish  or  yellowish  above;  sides  mostly  yellowish  or  silvery, 
with  narrow,  pale  cross-bars  in  young ;  edge  of  opercle  above  posterior 
angle  black;  young  with  a  black  bar  extending  from  posterior  angle 
of  mouth  through  eye  to  origin  of  spinous  dorsal;  fins  mostly  pale  in 
adult;  the  produced  portions  of  dorsal  and  anal,  and  the  ventrals  black 
in  our  smallest  specimens. 

Only  5  specimens  of  this  species,  ranging  from  145  to  300  mm.  in 
length,  were  obtained.  Besides  these  we  have  examined  2  specimens, 
220  and  480  mm.  long,  from  Mazatlan.  The  above  description  is  based 
on  all  material  examined.  It  is  regretted  that  there  are  no  smaller 
specimens  available  for  study,  as  in  species  of  related  genera  the  most 
marked  variation,  due  to  age,  was  noted  among  small  specimens. 

Known  from  the  Pacific  coast  of  Central  America,  from  Mazatlan 
to  Panama.  Our  specimens  are  from  Balboa  and  Panama  City  market. 

107.  Genus  Alectis  Rafinesque. 

Callus  Lacepede,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  IV,  1803,  583  (type  Callus  vires- 

cens  Lacepede=Z^M^  gallus  Linnzeus;  name  preoccupied). 
Alectis  Rafinesque,  Analyse  Nat.,  etc.,  1815,  84  (substitute  for  Gallus, 

preoccupied). 
Blepharis  Cuvier,  Regne  Animal,  Ed.  I,  II,  1817,  322  (type  Zeus  ciliaris 

Bloch,  name  preoccupied). 
Scyris  Cuvier,  Regne  Animal,  Ed.  II,  II,  1829,  209  (type  Scyris  indica 

Cuvier  &  Valenciennes). 

Callichtys  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  IX,  1833,  168 
(type  Gallichtys  major  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes;  substitute  for  Gal- 
lus, preoccupied). 

Blepharichthys  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1861,  36  (type  Zeus 
crinitus  Mitchill;  substitute  for  Blepharis,  preoccupied). 
Body  strongly  ovate  in  young,  becoming  much  more  elongate  in 
adult,  compressed;  the  back  much  elevated,  at  least  in  young;  head 
short  and  deep,  its  anterior  profile  convex;  mouth  rather  large;  the 
maxillary  reaching  well  past  anterior  margin  of  eye;  teeth  small,  in 
bands  on  jaws,  vomer,  palatines  and  tongue ;  scales  minute,  embedded ; 
lateral  line  with  bony  scutes  on  its  straight  portion;  first  dorsal  with 
6  or  7  short  spines,  becoming  obsolete  with  age ;  second  dorsal  and  anal 
similar,  the  anterior  rays  of  each  fin  bearing  filaments,  which  in  young 
reach  several  times  the  length  of  body,  much  shorter  in  adult;  spines 
preceding  anal  very  short,  becoming  obsolete  with  age;  ventral  fins 


364    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

very  long  in  young,  becoming  much  shorter  with  age.     The  changes 
due  to  age  in  this  genus  are  remarkably  great. 

273.  Alectis  ciliaris  (Bloch). 

Zeus  ciliaris  Bloch,  Naturg.  Ausl.  Fische,  III,   1787,  36,  PI.  CXCI 

(East  Indies;  Suratte). 
Scomber  filamentosus  Mungo  Park,  Trans.  Linn.  Soc.,  Ill,  1797,  36 

(Sumatra). 

Callus  vircscens  Lacepede,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  IV,  1803,  583  (after  Lin- 
naeus). 

Zeus  crinitus  Mitchill,  Amer.  Journ.  Sci.  &  Arts,  XI,  1826,  144  (Shore- 
ham). 
Blepharis  sutor  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  IX,  1833, 

161,  PI.  CCLIII  (Caribbean  Sea). 
Gallichtys  major  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  IX,  1833, 

168,  PI.  CCLIV  (West  Indies). 
Gallichtys  chevola  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  IX,  1833, 

175  (East  Indies). 
Blepharis  crinitus  De  Kay,  Fauna  N.  Y.,  Fishes,  1842,  123 ;  Jordan  & 

Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XVI,  1883,  438. 
Carangoides   blepharis   Bleeker,   Verh.    Bat.    Gen.,   XXIV,    1852,   67 

(East  Indies). 
Carangoides  gallichthys  Bleeker,  Verh.   Bat.   Gen.,  XXIV,   1852,  68 

(East  Indies). 

Caranx  sutor  Giinther,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus.,  II,  1860,  454. 
Blepha-richthys  crinitus  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1862,  262. 
Scyris  analis  Poey,  Syn.  Pise.  Cub.,  1868,  369  (Cuba). 
Gallichthys  crinitus  Liitken,  (Dan.  Vid.  Selsk.  Skr.,  5  ser.,  XII)  Spolia 

Atlantica,  1880,  131,  197. 

Caranx  crinitus  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1882,  359. 
Alectis  ciliaris  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII, 

1896,  931 ;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  80. 

Head  2.75  to  3.25;  depth  1.02  to  2.0;  D.  VI-I,  18  to  20;  A.  II-I, 
15  to  17. 

Body  ovate,  nearly  as  deep  as  long  in  young,  becoming  much  more 
elongate  in  adult ;  anterior  profile  rather  steep,  convex ;  outlines  strong- 
ly angulated  at  origin  of  second  dorsal  and  anal  in  young,  these  angles 
becoming  much  more  obtuse  with  age ;  head  short  and  deep ;  eye  large, 
2-55  to  3-7  m  head;  snout  little  projecting,  2.55  to  4.6  in  head;  mouth 
rather  large,  oblique;  jaws  subequal;  maxillary  broad,  reaching  nearly 
to  below  middle  of  eye,  2.15  to  2.7  in  head;  teeth  small,  in  bands  on 
jaws,  vomer  and  palatines ;  upper  surface  of  tongue  almost  wholly  cov- 


APRIL  15,  1925.    FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    365 

ered  with  villiform  teeth;  gill-rakers  rather  short,  13  to  15  on  lower 
limb  of  first  arch;  scales  minute,  embedded;  lateral  line  with  a  promi- 
nent arch,  the  straight  portion  armed  with  bony  scutes  posteriorly; 
first  dorsal  very  low,  some  of  the  spines  becoming  obsolete  with  age; 
second  dorsal  and  anal  similar,  the  anterior  rays  of  each  fin  produced 
into  filaments,  which  are  many  times  the  length  of  body  in  young,  pro- 
portionately much  shorter  in  adult;  caudal  broadly  forked,  the  lobes 
subequal ;  ventrals  in  very  young  nearly  as  long  as  body,  less  than  half 
the  length  of  head  in  adult;  pectorals  long  and  falcate  in  adult,  pro- 
portionately much  shorter  in  young,  2.13  to  4.1  in  length  of  body. 

Color  bluish  above;  sides  silvery,  with  traces  of  darker  bars  or 
blotches  in  young;  opercle  often  with  a  dark  blotch;  a  black  bar  ex- 
tending from  posterior  angles  of  mouth  through  eye  to  base  of  first 
dorsal  present  in  young;  ventrals  and  the  produced  portions  of  dorsal 
and  anal  bluish  or  blackish,  the  other  fins  mostly  pale;  the  filaments 
with  pale  spots  in  very  small  specimens. 

Of  this  species  we  have  15  small  specimens,  ranging  from  15  to  70 
mm.  in  length.  Two  specimens  are  from  the  Atlantic  coast  and  the 
others  are  from  the  Pacific.  We  have  examined  specimens  from  Vir- 
ginia, Florida,  Hawaii  and  New  South  Wales.  We  are  unable  to  de- 
tect any  differences.  The  above  description  is  based  on  all  the  ma- 
terial examined.  The  largest  specimen  at  hand  is  from  Key  West, 
Florida,  and  is  560  mm.  long.  It  varies  very  remarkably  from  the 
young  in  the  much  more  elongated  body,  the  anterior  profile  is  not  as 
steep,  the  outlines  of  body  are  scarcely  angulate  at  origin  of  second 
dorsal  and  anal,  the  pectorals  are  very  long  and  falcate  and  the  fila- 
ments do  not  reach  past  tip  of  caudal. 

Known  from  both  coasts  of  tropical  America.  Our  Atlantic  speci- 
mens are  from  Fox  Bay,  Colon,  and  the  Pacific  specimens  are  from 
Chame  Point  and  the  Panama  City  market. 

108.  Genus  Vomer  Cuvier. 

Vomer  Cuvier,  Regne  Animal,  Ed.   I,  II,   1817,   316    (type   Vomer 

brownii  Cuvier). 

Body  broad,  ovate,  very  strongly  compressed  ;  the  outlines  trenchant ; 
head  short  and  deep,  its  anterior  profile  nearly  vertical;  snout  only 
slightly  projecting;  teeth  small,  present  on  both  jaws,  vomer  and 
tongue;  palatines  with  few  weak  teeth  or  none;  scales  small,  rudimen- 
tary; lateral  line  strongly  arched,  its  straight  portion  with  weak  bony 
scutes  posteriorly ;  soft  dorsal  and  anal  very  low,  never  falcate.  Other 
characters  essentially  as  in  Caranx. 


366    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES. 

a.  Body  very  deep,  the  anterior  profile  vertical,  depth  in  length 
1.7  to  1.8  in  specimens  about  200  mm.  long;  gill-rakers  24  to  27, 
besides  one  or  two  rudiments,  on  the  lower  limb  of  first  arch. 

setapinnis,  p.  366. 

aa.  Body  scarcely  as  deep,  the  anterior  profile  not  quite  vertical, 
depth  in  length  1.85  to  1.95  in  specimens  about  200  mm.  long; 
gill-rakers  28  to  32,  besides  one  or  two  rudiments,  on  the  lower 
limb  of  first  arch  .  declivifrons  sp.  nov.,  p.  367. 

274.  Vomer  setapinnis  (Mitchill).     (Plate  XXIX,  fig.  i.) 

Zeus  setapinnis  Mitchill,  Trans.  Lit.  &  Phil.  Soc.  N.  Y.,  I,  1815,  384 

(New  York). 
Vomer  brownii  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  IX,  1833,  189, 

PI.  CCLVI  (New  York). 
Platysomus  micropteryx  Swainson,  Nat.  Hist.  &  Class.  Fish.,  II,  1839, 

406  (Pernambuco). 
Argyreiosus  unimaculatus  Batchelder,  Proc.  Bost.  Soc.  Nat.  Hist.,  II, 

1845,  78  (Maine;  young). 
Argyreiosus  setipinnis  Gunther,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus.,  II,  1860,  459 

(part). 
Vomer  setipinnis  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1862,  436;  Jordan  & 

Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  934,  PI.  CXLIV, 

fig.  392  (part). 
Vomer  sanctce-martha,  columbianus,  martinicensis,  dominicensis,  nove- 

boracensis  sanctce-petri,  brasiliensis,  cayennensis,  and  cubce  Guiche- 

not,  Ann.  Soc.  Linn.  Maine  et  Loire,  VIII,  1865,  38  to  44  (locali- 
ties indicated  by  the  names). 
Vomer  curtus  Cope,  Proc.  Ac.   Nat.   Sci.  Phila.,   1870,   119    (Rhode 

Island;  young). 
Selene  setipinnis  Liitken,  (Dan.  Vid.  Selsk.  Skr.,  5  ser.,  XII)  Spolia 

Atlantica,  1880,  135. 

Caranx  setipinnis  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1882,  595. 
Vomer  setapinnis  Fowler,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1916,  401  (Colon), 

and  1917,  132  (Colon). 

Head  2.5  to  3.3;  depth  1.3  to  1.95;  D.  VIII-I,  21  to  23;  A.  II-I, 
17  to  19. 

Body  rhombic,  very  strongly  compressed,  usually  proportionately 
deeper  in  young  than  in  adult,  depth  in  length  1.7  to  1.8  in  specimens 
about  200  mm.  in  length;  back  much  elevated;  anterior  profile  very 
steep,  slightly  concave  in  front  of  eyes;  the  ventral  profile  slightly 


FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY. 


ZOOLOGY,   VOL.   XV,    PL.   XXIX. 


FIG.  1.    VOMER  SETAPINNIS  (Mitchill). 

From  a  specimen  170  mm.  in  length. 


FIG.   2.     VOMER  DECLIVIFRONS  sp.  nov. 
From  the  type  200  mm.  in  length. 


APRIL  15,  1925.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.     367 

more  convex  than  the  dorsal;  head  short  and  deep;  snout  little  pro- 
jecting, 2  to  2.4  in  head;  eye  3.75  to  4.55;  mouth  large,  oblique;  lower 
jaw  slightly  in  advance  of  the  upper;  maxillary  broad,  failing  to  reach 
vertical  from  anterior  margin  of  eye  in  young,  reaching  anterior  mar- 
gin of  pupil  in  adult,  2.5  to  2.9  in  head ;  teeth  small,  those  in  jaws  in  a 
single  irregular  series  or  in  a  narrow  band ;  vomerine  teeth  in  a  rather 
large  triangular  patch,  with  a  backward  projection ;  palatines  toothless ; 
tongue  with  a  rather  large  band  of  villif orm  teeth ;  gill-rakers  about  two- 
thirds  the  length  of  eye,  24  to  27,  besides  one  or  two  rudiments,  on  lower 
limb  of  first  arch;  scales  very  small,  rudimentary ;  lateral  line  with  a 
prominent  arch,  which  is  about  as  long  as  head  in  adult,  shorter  in  young, 
the  straight  portion  posteriorly  armed  with  small  bony  scutes ;  first  dor- 
sal with  8  spines,  the  anterior  4  or  5  connected  by  membrane,  the  others 
very  short  and  far  apart ;  second  dorsal  and  anal  similar,  very  low,  not 
notably  elevated  anteriorly;  caudal  broadly  forked,  the  lobes  of  equal 
length;  ventrals  very  small,  only  about  half  as  long  as  eyes;  pectorals 
long  and  falcate,  2.55  to  3.55  in  length  of  body. 

Color  sky  blue  above,  sides  silvery;  opercle  with  a  blue  blotch  and 
usually  with  a  small  black  spot  above  its  posterior  angle;  a  broad  in- 
distinct bluish  band  extending  from  snout  through  eye  to  opercle  some- 
times present;  tip  of  lower  jaw  black;  fins  mostly  pale;  dorsal  and 
caudal  often  with  more  or  less  dusky. 

We  have  17  specimens  of  this  species,  ranging  from  60  to  185  mm. 
in  length.  Besides  these  we  have  examined  numerous  specimens  from 
the  Atlantic  coast  of  the  United  States,  Jamaica  and  Brazil. 

Known  from  Halifax  to  Uruguay.  Also  recorded  from  Kamerun, 
West  Africa.  Our  specimens  are  from  Toro  Point ;  Mindi  Cut ;  Mindi 
Reef;  Fox  Bay,  Colon;  Colon  market,  and  Porto  Bello. 

275.  Vomer  declivifrons  sp.  nov.  (Plate  XXIX,  fig.  2.) 

Argyreiosus  setipinnis  Gunther,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus.,  II,  1860,  459 
(part,  not  of  Mitchill). 

Caranx  setipinnis  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1882,  625 
(not  of  Mitchill). 

Selene  setipinnis  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XVI,  1883, 
440  (part,  not  of  Mitchill). 

Vomer  setipinnis  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII, 
1896,  934  (part,  not  of  Mitchill)  ;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal. 
Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  80  (not  of  Mitchill)  ;  Kendall  &  Radcliffe,  Mem- 
oir. Mus.  Comp.  Zool.,  XXXV,  1912,  100  (not  of  Mitchill). 


368    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

Argyriosus  setipinnis  Boulenger,  Boll.  Mus.  Zool.  Anat.  Torino,  XIV, 

No.  346,  1899,  3  (not  of  Mitchill). 

Vomer  setapinnis  Fowler,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1916,  409  (Pana- 
ma; not  of  Mitchill). 

Type  No.  81773,  U.  S.  N.  M.;  length  200  mm.;  Panama  City, 
Panama. 

Head  2.8  to  3.2;  depth  1.5  to  2.1 ;  D.  VIII-I,  21  to  24;  A.  II-I,  17 
to  19. 

Body  rhombic,  very  strongly  compressed,  proportionately  deeper  in 
young  than  in  adult,  scarcely  as  deep  as  in  V.  setapinnis,  depth  in  length 
i  .85  to  i  .95  in  specimens  about  200  mm.  long ;  the  back  much  elevated ; 
the  anterior  profile  scarcely  as  steep  as  in  V.  setapinnis,  slightly  concave 
in  front  of  eyes ;  the  ventral  outline  more  convex  than  the  dorsal ;  head 
rather  short  and  deep;  snout  slightly  projecting,  2.1  to  2.45  in  head; 
eye  3.4  to  4.35 ;  mouth  large,  oblique ;  lower  jaw  slightly  in  advance  of 
the  upper;  maxillary  broad,  reaching  anterior  margin  of  eye  in  adult, 
shorter  in  young,  2.4  to  2.85  in  head;  teeth  small,  those  in  jaws  in 
single,  irregular  series  or  in  a  narrow  band;  vomerine  teeth  in  a  tri- 
angular patch  with  a  backward  extension ;  palatines  toothless ;  tongue 
with  a  large  band  of  villiform  teeth ;  gill-rakers  about  three-fourths  the 
length  of  eye,  28  to  32,  besides  one  or  two  rudiments,  on  the  lower  limb 
of  first  arch ;  scales  very  small,  rudimentary ;  lateral  line  with  a  promi- 
nent arch  anteriorly,  which  is  about  as  long  as  head  in  adult,  shorter  in 
young,  the  straight  portion  posteriorly  armed  with  bony  scutes;  first 
dorsal  with  eight  spines,  anterior  4  or  5  connected  by  membrane,  the 
others  short  and  far  apart;  second  dorsal  and  anal  similar,  very  low, 
not  notably  elevated  anteriorly ;  caudal  broadly  forked,  the  lobes  of  about 
equal  length ;  ventrals  very  small,  shorter  than  eye ;  pectorals  long  and 
falcate,  2.5  to  3.0  in  length  of  body. 

Color  bluish  above,  sides  silvery;  opercle  with  a  bluish  area  and 
often  a  small  black  spot  above  its  posterior  angle;  a  broad,  indistinct, 
bluish  band  extending  from  snout  through  eye  to  upper  angle  of  opercle 
sometimes  present ;  tip  of  lower  jaw  black ;  fins  mostly  pale,  the  dorsal 
and  caudal  often  with  more  or  less  dusky. 

We  have  43  specimens,  ranging  from  45  to  235  mm.  in  length.  This 
species  differs  from  V.  setapinnis  in  the  more  numerous  gill-rakers,  and 
in  the  slightly  more  elongate  body.  The  latter  difference,  however,  is 
noticeable  only  when  specimens  of  equal  size  are  compared.  The  snout 
projects  slightly  more,  and  the  anterior  profile  is  scarcely  as  steep. 

Ranging  from  Cape  San  Lucas  to  Peru.  Our  specimens  are  from 
Chame  Point,  Balboa  and  Panama  City  market. 


~  -5 


5     S 


o 


APRIL  15,  1925.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    369 

109.  Genus  Chloroscombrus  Girard. 

Chloroscombrus  Girard,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1859,  J68  (type 
Scriola  cosmopolita  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes=5V0»nfor  chrysurus 
Linnaeus). 

Body  ovate,  strongly  compressed;  the  ventral  outline  much  more 
strongly  curved  than  the  dorsal,  both  carinate ;  head  short ;  mouth  very 
strongly  oblique;  lower  jaw  slightly  projecting;  upper  jaw  protractile; 
maxillary  broad,  emarginate  behind,  with  a  large  supplemental  bone; 
teeth  very  small,  present  on  both  jaws,  vomer,  palatines  and  tongue; 
gill-rakers  long  and  slender;  head  mostly  naked,  rest  of  body  covered 
with  small  smooth  scales;  lateral  line  with  a  strong  arch  anteriorly, 
with  or  without  a  few  small  bony  scutes ;  first  dorsal  with  feeble  spines, 
connected  by  membrane;  second  dorsal  and  anal  long  and  low,  longer 
than  the  short  abdomen ;  no  finlets ;  caudal  fin  deeply  forked ;  ventrals 
small ;  pectorals  long  and  falcate. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES. 

a.  Body  very  deep,  with  extremely  convex  abdomen,  its  depth  2.1 
to  2.4  in  its  length;  bony  scutes  in  lateral  line  wholly  obso- 
lete ;  color  rather  light,  bluish  gray  above.  chrysurus,  p.  369. 

aa.  Body  scarcely  as  deep,  with  less  strongly  convex  abdomen,  its 
depth  2.45  to  2.8  in  its  length ;  lateral  line  posteriorly  armed  with 
small  bony  scutes ;  color  dark,  bluish  black  above. 

orqueta,  p.  370. 

276.  Chloroscombrus  chrysurus  (Linnaeus).     (Plate  XXX,  fig.  i.) 

Scomber  chrysurus  Linnseus,  Syst.  Nat.,  Ed.  XII,  1766,  494  (Charles- 
ton, S.  C). 

Scomber  chloris  Bloch,  Naturg.  Ausl.  Fische,  VII,  1793,  67,  PI. 
CCCXXXIX  (Acara). 

Micropteryx  cosmopolite.  Agassiz,  in  Spix,  Pise.  Brasil.,  1831  104 
(Brazil). 

Seriola  cosmopolita  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  IX,  1833, 
219,  PI.  CCLIX. 

Scomber  latus  Gronow,  Cat.  Fish.,  1854,  127  (Carolina). 

Chloroscombrus  caribbaus  Girard,  U.  S.  &  Mex.  Bound.  Surv.,  II, 
Pt.  II,  Fishes,  1859,  21,  PI.  XI,  fig.  6  (St.  Josephs  Island,  Texas). 

Micropteryx  chrysurus  Giinther,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus.,  II,  1860,  460. 

Chloroscombrus  chrysurus  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1862,  437; 
Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  938, 


3/o    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

PI.  CXLV,  fig  394;  Fowler,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1916,  402 
(Colon),  and  1917,  132  (Colon). 

Head  3.6  to  4.3;  depth  2.1  to  2.4;  D.  VIII-I,  26  or  27;  A.  II-I,  26 
to  28. 

Body  ovate,  very  strongly  compressed;  dorsal  and  ventral  outlines 
regularly  curved,  the  latter  very  convex,  much  more  strongly  curved 
than  the  former,  each  carinate  anteriorly;  head  short  and  deep;  snout 
blunt,  shorter  than  eye,  3.34  to  4  in  head ;  eye  2.66  to  3.2 ;  mouth  nearly 
vertical;  lower  jaw  projecting;  maxillary  reaching  anterior  margin  of 
eye,  2.45  to  2.74  in  head ;  teeth  very  small,  those  on  jaws  in  very  nar- 
row bands  or  single  series;  those  on  vomer,  palatines  and  tongue  in 
villiform  patches  or  bands;  gill-rakers  slender,  close  set,  about  two- 
thirds  length  of  eye,  28  to  33  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch ;  head,  dorsal 
and  ventral  ridges  naked,  the  rest  of  body  with  small  cycloid  scales; 
lateral  line  with  a  prominent  arch  anteriorly,  longer  than  head,  con- 
tained 3.2  to  3.9  times  in  length  of  body,  the  straight  portion  without 
bony  scutes;  first  dorsal  with  slender  spines;  second  dorsal  and  anal 
of  about  equal  length,  the  former  more  strongly  elevated  anteriorly 
than  the  latter,  each  with  a  sheath  of  scales  at  base ;  pectorals  long  and 
falcate  in  adult,  proportionately  much  shorter  in  young,  2.9  to  3.6  in 
length  of  body. 

Color  bluish  gray  above,  sides  silvery;  a  small  opercular  spot  pres- 
ent; a  prominent  black,  quadrate  blotch  on  upper  half  of  base  of  cau- 
dal ;  fins  yellowish  in  life ;  vertical  fins  edged  with  black ;  pectorals  and 
ventrals  pale  in  spirits. 

This  species  is  represented  by  84  specimens,  ranging  from  40  to  200 
mm.  in  length. 

Known  from  Cape  Cod  to  Brazil.  Our  specimens  are  from  Toro 
Point ;  Mindi  Cut ;  Fox  Bay,  Colon,  and  Colon  market. 

277.  Chloroscombrus   orqueta  Jordan  &   Gilbert.      (Plate   XXX, 

fig.  2.) 

Chloroscombrus  orqueta  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1882, 
646  (Panama)  ;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII, 
1896,  937;  Boulenger,  Boll.  Mus.  Zool.  Anat.  Torino,  XIV,  No. 
346,  1899,  3;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904, 
82;  Kendall  &  Radcliffe,  Memoir.  Mus.  Comp.  Zool.,  XXXV,  1912, 
100. 

Chloroscombrus  stirurus  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1883, 
206. 


APRIL  15,  1925.    FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    371 

Head  3.5  to  4.43;  depth  2.45  to  2.8;  D.  VIII-I,  26  to  28;  A.  II-I, 
26  to  28. 

Body  ovate,  very  strongly  compressed;  dorsal  and  ventral  outlines 
regularly  curved,  the  latter  much  more  strongly  convex  than  the  former, 
each  carinate  anteriorly ;  head  short  and  deep ;  snout  blunt,  shorter  than 
eye,  3.6  to  4.35  in  head;  eye  2.6  to  3.15;  mouth  nearly  vertical;  lower 
jaw  projecting;  maxillary  reaching  anterior  margin  of  eye,  2.4  to  2.8 
in  head ;  teeth  very  small,  those  on  jaws  forming  very  narrow  bands  or 
single  series,  those  on  vomer,  palatines,  and  tongue  in  villiform  patches 
and  bands;  gill-rakers  very  slender,  close  set,  slightly  more  than  half 
as  long  as  eye.  30  to  35  on  the  lower  limb  of  first  arch;  head,  dor- 
sal and  ventral  ridges  naked,  the  rest  of  the  body  covered  with  small 
cycloid  scales ;  lateral  line  with  a  prominent  arch,  which  is  longer  than 
head,  and  is  contained  2.94  to  3.5  times  in  length  of  body,  the  straight 
portion  posteriorly  armed  with  small  bony  scutes;  first  dorsal  with 
slender  spines ;  second  dorsal  and  anal  of  about  equal  length,  the  former 
anteriorly  more  strongly  elevated  than  the  latter,  each  with  a  sheath  of 
scales  at  base ;  pectorals  long  and  falcate  in  adult,  proportionately  much 
shorter  in  young,  2.7  to  4.1  in  length  of  body. 

Color  bluish  black  above,  sides  silvery;  a  very  distinct  opercular 
spot  present;  a  quadrate  blotch  on  upper  half  of  base  of  caudal;  fins 
yellowish  in  life,  dorsal  and  anal  edged  with  black  and  caudal  with  more 
or  less  dusky. 

We  have  48  specimens  of  this  species,  ranging  from  20  to  190  mm. 
in  length.  The  two  species  of  this  genus  are  rather  closely  related,  but 
in  our  large  series  the  Pacific  coast  specimens,  while  varying  consider- 
ably among  themselves,  are  constantly  a  little  more  slender  than  the 
Atlantic  ones.  The  lateral  line  on  caudal  peduncle  is  armed  with  small 
bony  scutes,  which  are  wholly  obsolete  in  Atlantic  specimens.  The  Pa- 
cific specimens  are  also  constantly  darker  in  color. 

Known  from  Magdalena  Bay  and  Panama.  Our  specimens  are 
from  Chame  Point,  tide  pools  and  Panama  Bay  at  Balboa,  and  the 
Panama  City  market. 

110.  Genus  Selene  Lacepede. 

Selene  Lacepede,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  IV,  1803,  560  (type  Selene  argen- 

tea  Lacepede=Zett.s  vomer  Linnaeus). 
Argyreiosus  Lacepede,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  IV,  1803,  566  (type  Zeus 

vomer  Linnaeus). 

Body  ovate,  very  closely  compressed ;  the  back  much  elevated ;  an- 
terior profile  very  steep  but  never  vertical,  forming  a  rather  abrupt 


372    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

angle  with  dorsal  outline  at  occipital  region;  edges  of  body  every- 
where trenchant;  head  short  and  deep;  opercles  very  short;  preorbital 
extremely  deep ;  mouth  moderate ;  premaxillaries  protractile,  fitting  into 
a  notch  between  the  bases  of  the  maxillaries;  maxillaries  broad,  each 
with  a  supplemental  bone;  teeth  small,  present  on  jaws,  vomer,  and 
tongue;  palatines  with  a  few  very  minute  teeth  or  none;  lateral  line 
with  a  prominent  arch,  entirely  unarmed ;  spines  of  first  dorsal  slender, 
filamentous  in  young;  free  anal  spines  immovable,  obsolete  in  adult; 
second  dorsal  and  anal  much  elevated  anteriorly  in  adult,  the  first  ray 
of  each  fin  much  produced,  these  fins  little  elevated  anteriorly  and  with- 
out produced  rays  in  very  young  individuals. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES. 

a.  Body   extremely   closely   compressed,   the   outlines    anteriorly 
sharply  trenchant;  occipital  region  with  an  abrupt  angle;  D. 
VIII-I,  21  to  23;  A.  II-I,  17  to  20;  gill-rakers  long  and  slen- 
der, 23  or  more  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch. 

b.  Body  very  deep,  the  depth  1.33  to  1.45  in  length,  in  specimens 
about  200  mm.  long;  gill-rakers  in  moderate  number,  23  to  26, 
besides  one  or  two  rudiments,  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch. 

vomer,  p.  372. 

bb.  Body  scarcely  as  deep,  the  depth  1.53  to  1.6  in  length,  in  speci- 
mens about  200  mm.  long;  gill-rakers  numerous,  28  to  32,  be- 
sides one  or  two  rudiments,  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch. 

brevoortii,  p.  374. 

aa.  Body  less  closely  compressed,  the  outlines  anteriorly  not  com- 
ing to  a  sharp  edge;  occipital  region  without  a  very  abrupt 
angle;  D.  VIII-I,  16  to  18;  A.  II-I,  15  or  16;  gill-rakers  rather 
short  and  strong,  13  to  16,  besides  one  or  two  rudiments,  on 
lower  limb  of  first  arch.  aerstedii,  p.  375. 

278.  Selene  vomer  (Linnaeus).     (Plate  XXXI.) 

Zeus  vomer  Linnaeus,  Syst.  Nat.,  Ed.  X,  1758,  266  (America). 

Zeus  gallus  Linnaeus,  Syst.  Nat.,  Ed.  X,  1758,  267  (America). 

Zeus  niger  Bloch  &  Schneider,  Syst.  Ichth.,  1801,  98  (confounded  with 

Pomacanthus  arcuatus). 
Selene  argentea  Lacepede,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  IV,  1803,  560,  PI.  IX, 

fig.  2  (adult)  ;  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1862,  436. 
Argyreiosus  vomer  Lacepede,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  IV,  1803,  566. 
Zeus  capillaris  Mitchill,  Trans.  Lit.  &  Phil.  Soc.  N.  Y.,  I,  1815,  383 

(New  York;  young). 


APRIL  15,  1925.    FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    373 

Zeus  rostratus  Mitchill,  Trans.  Lit.  &  Phil.  Soc.  N.  Y.,  I,  1815,  384 

(New  York;  young). 
Zeus  gcometricus  Mitchill,  Amer.  Monthly  Mag.,  II,  1818,  245  (New 

York;  adult). 
Argyriosus  triacanthus  Swainson,  Nat.  Hist.  &  Class.  Fish.,  II,  1839, 

250  (Brazil;  after  Spix  &  Agassiz,  PI.  LVIII). 
Argyriosus  filamentosus  Swainson,  Nat.  Hist.  &  Class.  Fish.,  II,  1839, 

250  (after  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  PI.  CCLV). 
Argyriosus  mauriceii  Swainson,  Nat.  Hist.  &  Class.  Fish.,  II,  1839, 

408  (Brazil;  adult). 
Argyriosus  setifer  Swainson,  Nat.  Hist.  &  Class.  Fish.,  II,  1839,  407 

(after  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  PI.  CCLV). 
Argyreiosus  mitchilli  De  Kay,  Fauna  N.  Y.,  Fishes,  1842,  126  (New 

York;  young). 
Argyreiosus  spixii  Castelnau,  Anim.  Nouv.  Rares  Amer.  Sud,  1855,  23 

(Brazil;  adult). 

Argyriosus  vomer  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1862,  437. 
Argyriosus  capillaris  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1862,  437. 
Selene  vomer  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XVI,  1883, 

439  (part)  ;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII, 

1896,  936,  PI.  CXLIV,  fig.  393  and  PI.  CXLV,  fig.  393a. 

Head  2.25  to  2.7;  depth  1.28  to  1.45;  D.  VIII-I,  21  to  23;  A.  II-I, 
1 8  to  20. 

Body  ovate,  very  strongly  compressed,  the  outlines  strongly 
trenchant,  very  deep,  the  depth  1.33  to  1.45  in  length  in  specimens 
about  200  mm.  long;  back  much  elevated;  anterior  profile  ascending 
at  a  steep  angle,  straight  or  slightly  concave,  forming  an  angle  at 
occipital  region;  ventral  outline  anteriorly  gently  convex,  angulated 
at  origin  of  anal;  head  short  and  very  deep;  snout  little  projecting, 
1.67  to  2.2  in  head;  eye  4  to  5.25 ;  mouth  moderate,  oblique;  lower  jaw 
in  advance  of  upper;  maxillary  broad,  failing  to  reach  vertical  from 
anterior  margin  of  eye,  2.7  to  3.4  in  head ;  teeth  small,  those  on  upper 
jaw  in  a  band,  those  on  lower  jaw  mostly  in  a  single  series;  vomerine 
teeth  in  a  triangular  patch;  palatines  with  a  few  weak  teeth  or  none; 
tongue  with  a  band  of  villiform  teeth;  gill-rakers  slender,  rather 
close  set,  about  two-thirds  as  long  as  eye,  23  to  26,  besides  one  or  two 
rudiments,  on  lower  limb  of  arch;  scales  very  small,  rudimentary; 
lateral  line  with  a  prominent  arch,  which  is  usually  somewhat  shorter 
than  head,  the  straight  portion  unarmed,  an  accessory  branch  present, 
extending  from  scapula  to  below  base  of  spinous  dorsal;  first  dorsal 
with  8  spines,  the  second,  third  and  fourth  bearing  filaments  which 


374    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

are  more  than  twice  the  length  of  the  body  in  young,  the  longest  spine 
about  the  length  of  eye  in  adult ;  second  dorsal  and  anal  similar,  falcate, 
the  anterior  rays  much  produced,  the  first  one  on  each  fin  filamentous 
in  adult,  these  fins  lower  in  young  and  without  filaments ;  caudal  deeply 
forked,  the  lobes  subequal;  ventrals  very  small  in  adult,  shorter  than 
eye,  in  young  they  are  filamentous,  more  than  half  as  long  as  the 
body ;  pectorals  long  and  falcate  in  adult,  proportionately  much  shorter 
in  young,  2.2  to  3.75  in  length  of  body. 

Color  bluish  green  above,  sides  silvery ;  very  young  with  an  oblique 
bar  extending  from  snout  through  eye  to  origin  of  first  dorsal;  sides 
with  indistinct  vertical  bars  or  dusky  blotches ;  fins  mostly  pale,  dorsal 
and  caudal  with  dusky  in  adult ;  filaments  of  fins  in  young  bluish  black. 

Of  this  species  25  specimens,  ranging  from  30  to  210  mm.  in  length, 
were  taken.  We  have  also  examined  specimens  from  Massachusetts, 
Virginia,  Florida  and  Brazil.  We  note  no  difference  between  northern 
and  southern  specimens,  and  all  agree  in  having  fewer  gill-rakers  than  V. 
brevoortii,  the  Pacific  coast  representative  of  this  species. 

Known  from  Maine  to  Uruguay.  Our  specimens  are  from  Toro 
Point,  Mindi  Cut,  Mindi  Reef,  Fox  Bay,  Colon;  Colon  market  and 
Porto  Bello. 

279.  Selene  brevoortii  (Gill).     (Plate  XXXII.) 

Argyriosus  brevoortii  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1863,  83  (Lower 

California;  young). 
Argyreiosus  pacificus  Lockington,  Proc.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  VII,  1876  (1877), 

84  (Lower  California;  adult). 
Argyreiosus  vomer  Liitken,  (Dan.  Vid.  Selsk.  Skr.,  5  sen,  XII)  Spolia 

Atlantica,  1880,  137  (part;  with  figures  of  changes  due  to  age). 
Selene  vomer  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XVI,  1883, 
439  (part),  and  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1882,  625;  Gilbert  &  Starks, 
Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  82   (Panama  Bay;  not  of  Lin- 
naeus). 

Head  2.24  to  2.55;  depth  1.2  to  1.6;  D.  VII  or  VIII-I,  21  or  22; 
A.  II-I,  17  to  19. 

Body  ovate,  very  strongly  compressed,  the  outlines  strongly 
trenchant,  scarcely  as  deep  as  5".  vomer,  the  depth  1.53  to  1.6  in 
length  of  specimens  about  200  mm.  long;  back  much  elevated;  the 
anterior  profile  ascending  at  a  steep  angle,  straight  or  slightly  concave, 
forming  an  angle  at  occipital  region;  ventral  outline  anteriorly  little 
curved,  angulated  at  origin  of  anal;  head  short  and  deep;  snout  little 
projecting,  1.75  to  2  in  head;  eye  4.05  to  5.2;  mouth  moderate,  oblique; 


APRIL  15,  1925.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    375 

lower  jaw  in  advance  of  upper;  maxillary  broad,  failing  to  reach 
vertical  from  anterior  margin  of  eye,  2.8  to  3.3  in  head ;  teeth  minute, 
those  on  upper  jaw  in  a  narrow  band,  those  on  lower  jaw  mostly  in 
a  single  series;  vomerine  teeth  in  a  triangular  patch;  palatine  teeth 
weak  or  wanting;  tongue  with  a  band  of  villiform  teeth;  gill-rakers 
slender,  close  set,  28  to  32,  besides  one  or  two  rudiments,  on  the  lower 
limb  of  first  arch;  scales  very  small,  rudimentary;  lateral  line  with  a 
prominent  arch,  usually  somewhat  shorter  than  head,  straight  portion 
unarmed,  an  accessory  branch  present,  extending  from  scapula  to 
below  origin  of  spinous  dorsal;  first  dorsal  with  7  or  8  spines,  the 
second,  third  and  fourth  bearing  filaments  which  are  often  more  than 
twice  the  length  of  body  in  young,  the  longest  spine  about  as  long  as 
eye  in  adult;  second  dorsal  and  anal  similar,  falcate,  the  anterior  rays 
much  produced,  the  first  one  filamentous  in  adult,  the  fins  lower  and 
without  filaments  in  young;  caudal  widely  forked,  the  lobes  of  about 
equal  length;  ventrals  very  small  in  adult,  scarcely  as  long  as  eye, 
much  produced  in  young  but  not  filamentous,  about  half  as  long  as 
the  body  in  specimens  40  mm.  in  length;  pectorals  long  and  falcate  in 
adult,  proportionately  shorter  in  young,  2.25  to  3.65  in  length  of  body. 

Color  bluish  green  above,  sides  silvery;  very  young  with  a  blackish 
bar  extending  from  snout  through  eye  to  origin  of  first  dorsal ;  sides  with 
indistinct  vertical  bars  or  blackish  blotches ;  fins  mostly  pale  in  adult ; 
filament  of  dorsal  blackish;  the  produced  rays  and  filaments  in  young 
bluish  black. 

The  present  collection  contains  30  specimens  of  this  species,  ranging 
from  40  to  250  mm.  in  length.  This  species,  although  long  confounded 
with  the  Atlantic  coast  form,  S.  vomer,  may  be  distinguished  without 
fail,  as  is  indicated  by  the  large  series  examined,  by  the  constantly 
larger  number  of  gill-rakers.  In  comparing  specimens  of  equal  size, 
it  is  also  noted  that  this  species  is  scarcely  as  deep  as  5".  vomer. 

Known  from  Lower  California  to  Peru.  Our  specimens  are  from 
Chame  Point;  tide  streams,  Corozal;  tide  streams,  beach  and  the  bay, 
Balboa;  and  Panama  City  market. 

280.    Selene  oerstedii  Liitken. 

Selene  <f>rstedii  Liitken,  (Dan.  Vid.  Selsk.  Skr.,  5  ser.,  XII)   Spolia 

Atlantica,  1880,  144  (Punta  Arenas). 
Selene  cerstedii  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1883,  205; 

Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat  Mus.  XLVII,  1896,  935; 

Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  81    (Panama 

Bay). 


376    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

Head  2.5  to  3.06;  depth  1.4  to  1.65;  D.  VIII-I,  16  to  18;  A.  II-I, 
15  or  16. 

Body  ovate,  much  compressed,  the  outlines  trenchant,  but  not  as 
much  so  as  in  other  species  of  this  genus;  back  much  elevated;  the 
anterior  profile  straight  or  slightly  concave  over  snout,  convex  above 
level  of  eyes;  the  ventral  outline  anteriorly  only  slightly  convex, 
angulated  at  origin  of  anal;  head  very  short  and  deep;  snout  little 
projecting,  1.85  to  2.2  in  head;  eye  3.7  to  4.3;  mouth  moderate,  slightly 
oblique;  lower  jaw  slightly  in  advance  of  the  upper;  maxillary  broad, 
reaching  about  to  vertical  from  anterior  margin  of  eye,  2.95  to  3.5  in 
head;  teeth  small,  those  on  jaws  in  narrow  bands;  vomerine  teeth 
in  triangular  patch  with  a  backward  projection;  palatines  toothless; 
tongue  with  a  rather  large  band  of  villiform  teeth;  gill-rakers  strong, 
rather  far  apart,  about  half  as  long  as  eye,  13  to  16,  besides  one  or  two 
rudiments,  on  the  lower  limb  of  first  arch ;  scales  very  small,  rudiment- 
ary; lateral  line  with  a  prominent  arch,  about  as  long  as  head,  the 
straight  portion  unarmed;  an  accessory  lateral  line  present,  extending 
from  scapula  to  below  anterior  rays  of  spinous  dorsal ;  first  dorsal  with  8 
spines,  the  anterior  5  or  6  connected  by  membrane,  the  anterior  spines 
very  long  and  slender  in  very  young  (35  mm.  long),  the  second  equaling 
about  three-fourths  the  length  of  body,  becoming  proportionately  much 
shorter  with  age,  shorter  than  snout  in  adult  (300  mm.  long)  ;  second 
dorsal  and  anal  similar,  falcate,  the  anterior  rays  much  produced,  the  first 
ray  filamentous  in  adult,  often  reaching  past  tip  of  caudal,  these  fins  an- 
teriorly much  lower  in  young,  and  none  of  the  rays  produced  into  fila- 
ments; caudal  very  broadly  forked,  the  lobes  subequal;  ventrals  rather 
large,  equal  to  postorbital  part  of  head  in  adult,  at  least  two-thirds  the 
length  of  body  in  very  young,  none  of  the  rays  filamentous;  pectorals 
long  and  falcate  in  adult,  much  shorter  in  young,  2.1  to  3.5  in  length  of 
body. 

Color  of  adult  plain  bluish  green  above,  sides  silvery;  head  often 
with  dusky  punctulations ;  fins  all  with  more  or  less  dusky;  axil  of 
pectoral  black;  very  young  mostly  black,  with  a  prominent  black  bar 
extending  from  posterior  angle  of  mouth  through  eye  to  base  of 
anterior  dorsal  spines;  in  larger  specimens  the  black  of  the  body  is 
broken  up,  often  appearing  as  indistinct  cross-bars;  the  produced  fins 
in  the  young  are  jet  black ;  caudal  pale. 

The  present  collection  contains  17  specimens  of  this  species,  ranging 
from  35  to  310  mm.  in  length.  This  species  is  easily  distinguished 
from  other  species  of  this  genus  by  the  less  compressed  body,  less 


APRIL  15,  1925.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    377 

trenchant  outlines,  and  by  the  scarcely  angulated  occipital  region.    The 
gill-rakers  are  also  much  stronger  and  fewer  in  number. 

Known  from  the  Pacific  coast  of  tropical  America,  from  Mazatlan 
to  Panama.  Our  specimens  are  from  Chame  Point,  Balboa  and  the 
Panama  City  market. 

111.  Genus  Trachinotus  Lacepede. 

Trachinotus  Lacepede,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  Ill,  1802,  78  (type  Scomber 

falcatus  Forskal). 
Casiomorus  Lacepede,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  Ill,  1802,  92  (type  Casiomorus 

baillonii  Laecepde). 
Acanthinion  Lacepede,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  IV,  1803,  499  (type  Chatodon 

rhotnboides  Linnaeus). 
Bothrolcemus  Holbrook,  Ichth.  South  Carolina,  Ed.  I,  1855,  80  (type 

Trachinotus  p  amp  anus  Cuvier  &  Va\enciennes=Gasterosteus  caro- 

linus  Linnaeus). 
Doliodon    Girard,    Proc.    Ac.    Nat.    Sci.    Phila.,     1859,     168     (type 

Gasterosteus  carolimis  Linnaeus). 

Body  short,  compressed,  more  or  less  ovate;  abdomen  shorter  than 
anal  fin,  never  trenchant;  head  short,  compressed;  snout  extremely 
blunt;  mouth  slightly  oblique,  the  upper  jaw  a  little  in  advance  of  the 
lower;  premaxillaries  protractile;  maxillary  without  a  distinct  supple- 
mental bone,  reaching  about  middle  of  eye;  preopercle  serrate  in  very 
young,  becoming  entire  with  age;  gill-membranes  considerably  united 
across  isthmus;  gill-rakers  short  and  rather  few;  teeth  in  young  in 
villiform  bands  on  jaws,  vomer,  palatines,  and  sometimes  on  tongue, 
almost  or  entirely  disappearing  with  age;  scales  small  and  smooth; 
lateral  line  scarcely  arched,  entirely  unarmed;  spinous  dorsal  with 
6  short,  strong  spines,  connected  by  membrane  in  young,  free  and 
proportionately  shorter  in  aduh;  second  dorsal  and  anal  similar, 
anteriorly  more  or  less  elevated  in  adult,  sometimes  long  and  falcate, 
very  little  if  at  all  elevated  in  very  young;  anal  preceded  by  2  strong 
spines;  caudal  broadly  forked,  the  lobes  produced  in  adult;  ventrals 
rather  small,  usually  shorter  than  postorbital  part  of  head;  pectorals 
never  falcate,  constantly  shorter  than  head. 

KEY  TO  THE   SPECIES. 

a.  Second  dorsal  with  17  to  21  rays;  anal  with  16  to  20  rays. 

b.  Body  deep,  ovate,  the  depth  1.3  to  1.8  in  length;  sides  without 
black  cross-bars. 


378    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

c.  Second  dorsal  and  anal  anteriorly  greatly  elevated,  the  longest 
rays  reaching  nearly  to  base  of  caudal  in  adult;  much  shorter 
in  young;  dorsal  with  19  to  21  rays.  falcatus,  p.  378. 

cc.  Second  dorsal  and  anal  not  greatly  elevated,  the  longest  rays 
reaching  only  slightly  past  middle  of  base  of  fins  in  adult; 
scarcely  elevated  in  young;  dorsal  with  17  or  18  rays. 

d.  Body  slightly  elongate,  the  depth  1.6  to  1.8  in  length;  head 
short  and  very  deep ;  profile  from  snout  to  dorsal  rather  strongly 
convex;  maxillary  reaching  slightly  past  middle  of  eye,  2.75  to 
2.9  in  head ;  color  mostly  silvery ;  a  black  blotch  under  base  of 
pectoral  rays.  kennedyi,  p.  380. 

dd.  Body  ovate,  the  depth  1.3  to  1.57  in  length;  head  lower;  profile 
from  snout  to  dorsal  a  straight  oblique,  or  very  slightly  convex 
line;  maxillary  scarcely  reaching  middle  of  eye,  3.0  to  3.45  in 
head;  general  color  reddish  or  blackish;  no  black  blotch  under 
base  of  pectoral  rays.  culvert,  p.  381. 

bb.  Body  moderately  elongate,  the  depth  1.8  to  2.65  in  length; 
sides  with  evident  black  cross-bars,  except  in  very  young. 

e.  Gill-rakers  less  than  a  third  the  length  of  eye,  8  to  10  on  the 
lower  limb  of  first  arch;  anal  usually  with   17,  occasionally 
with  18,  rays.  glaucus,  p.  382. 

ee.  Gill-rakers  at  least  half  as  long  as  eye,  13  to  15  on  lower  limb 
of  first  arch;  anal  usually  with  18  or  19,  rarely  with  20,  rays. 

rhodopus,  p.  383. 
aa.     Second  dorsal  with  23  to  27  rays ;  anal  with  20  to  24  rays. 

f.  Body  rather  deep;  in  specimens  about  80  mm.  in  length,  the 
depth  2.15  to  2.35  in  length;  gill-rakers  very  short,  less  than 
a  third  the  length  of  eye,  7  or  8,  rarely  9,  on  lower  limb  of  first 
arch;  second  dorsal  usually  with  24,  occasionally  with  23  or 
25,  rays;  anal  with  21,  rarely  with  23,  rays.       carolinus,  p.  385. 

ff.  ,  Body  elongate;  in  specimens  about  80  mm.  in  length,  the  depth 
2.45  to  2.65  in  length;  gill-rakers  longer,  about  half  the  length 
of  eye,  9  or  10,  rarely  only  8,  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch; 
second  dorsal  usually  with  26  or  27,  occasionally  with  only  25 
rays ;  anal  with  22  or  23,  rarely  with  24  or  25,  rays. 

paloma.  p.  386. 

281.  Trachinotus  falcatus  (Linnaeus).     (Plate  XXXIII.) 
Labrus  falcatus  Linnaeus,  Syst.  Nat.,  Ed.  X,  1758,  284  (America). 
Chatodon  rhomboides  Bloch,   Naturg.  Ausl.   Fische,   III,   1787,   100, 
PI.  CCIX  (on  a  drawing  by  Plumier). 


<r   is. 


APRIL  15,  1925.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.     379 

Acanthinion  rhomboides  Lacepede,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  IV,  1803,  500. 
Trachinotus  rhomboides  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  VIII, 

1831,  407. 
Trachinotus  fuscus  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  VIII, 

1831,  410  (Brazil). 
Trachinotus  spinosus  De  Kay,  Fauna  N.  Y.,  Fishes,  1842,  117,  PI. 

XIX,  fig.  53. 

Lichia  spinosus  Baird,  9th  Kept.  Smith.  Inst,  1854  (1855),  336. 
Doliodon  carolinus  Girard,  U.  S.  &  Mex.  Bound.  Surv.,  II,  Pt.  II, 

Fishes,  1859,  22>  PI-  XI,  fig.  4. 
Trachynotus  ovatus  Gunther,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus.,  II,  1860,  481   (in 

part ;  not  of  Linnaeus) . 
Trachynotus  rhomboides  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.   S.   Nat.  Mus., 

XVI,  1883,  974;  Meek  &  Goss,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1884,  124. 
Trachinotus  falcatus  Jordan,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1886,  575; 

Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  941, 

PI.  CXLVI,  fig.  396;  Fowler,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1917,  132 

(Colon). 

Head  2.75  to  3.75;  depth  1.45  to  1.8;  D.  VIM,  19  to  21 ;  A.  II-I, 
17  or  18. 

Body  more  or  less  ovate,  strongly  compressed;  the  back  much 
elevated;  profile  of  snout  nearly  vertical,  from  snout  to  second  dorsal 
moderately  convex ;  dorsal  and  ventral  outlines  forming  a  marked  angle 
at  origin  of  second  dorsal  and  anal;  head  short  and  deep;  snout  very 
short  and  blunt,  3.65  to  5  in  head ;  eye  2.96  to  4 ;  mouth  small,  slightly 
oblique;  upper  jaw  in  advance  of  the  lower;  maxillary  rather  wide, 
scarcely  reaching  middle  of  eye,  2.8  to  3.1  in  head ;  teeth  almost  wholly 
wanting  in  adult,  present  on  both  jaws,  vomer,  palatines  and  tongue 
in  young;  gill-rakers  very  short,  less  than  a  third  the  length  of  eye, 
9  to  12  on  the  lower  limb  of  first  arch;  scales  minute,  partly  embedded ; 
lateral  line  with  only  a  slight  arch,  wholly  unarmed;  first  dorsal  with 
6  short,  stiff  spines;  second  dorsal  and  anal  produced  in  adult,  the 
longest  reaching  nearly  to  base  of  caudal;  these  fins  anteriorly  only 
slightly  elevated  in  small  specimens;  caudal  broadly  forked,  the  lobes 
produced  in  adult,  much  shorter  in  young;  ventrals  small,  slightly 
shorter  than  postorbital  part  of  head ;  pectorals  constantly  shorter  than 
head,  4.4  to  5.15  in  length  of  body. 

Color  bluish  or  blackish  above,  usually  silvery  below;  in  dark 
colored  specimens  the  lower  part  of  sides  as  well  as  abdomen  densely 
punctulate  with  dark  points;  paler  specimens  with  the  anterior  rays 


380    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

of  second  dorsal  and  anal,  and  outer  rays  of  caudal  black,  the  rest  of 
fins  mostly  pale ;  dark  specimens  mostly  with  black  fins ;  no  black  blotch 
under  base  of  pectoral  rays. 

The  present  collection  contains  36  specimens  of  this  species,  ranging 
in  length  from  35  to  290  mm. 

Known  from  Cape  Cod  to  Brazil.  Our  specimens  are  from  Toro 
Point;  Fox  Bay,  Colon,  and  the  Colon  market. 

282.  Trachinotus  kennedyi  Steindachner.  (Plate  XXXIV.) 
Trachinotus  kennedyi  Steindachner,  (Sitzb.  k.  Ak.  Wiss.  Wien, 
LXXII)  Ichth.  Beitr.,  Ill,  1875,  47,  PI.  VII,  fig.  9  (Magdalena 
Bay,  Lower  California)  ;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat. 
Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  942;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci., 
IV,  1904,  84  (Panama  Bay)  ;  Starks,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1906, 
786  (Ecuador). 

Trachynotus  kennedyi  Meek  &  Goss,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1884, 
123. 

Head  3.32  to  3.5;  depth  1.6  to  1.8;  D.  VI-I,  17  or  18;  A.  II-I, 
16  or  17. 

Body  rather  deep,  but  scarcely  ovate,  strongly  compressed;  the 
back  rather  strongly  elevated;  profile  of  snout  almost  vertical,  from 
snout  to  dorsal  rather  strongly  convex;  dorsal  and  ventral  outlines 
forming  broad  obtuse  angles  at  origin  of  second  dorsal  and  anal ;  head 
short  and  deep,  high  at  nape;  snout  very  short  and  blunt,  4.15  to  4.4 
in  head;  eye  3.4  to  3.5;  mouth  moderate,  slightly  oblique;  upper  jaw 
in  advance  of  the  lower;  maxillary  reaching  slightly  past  middle  of 
eye,  2.75  to  2.9  in  head;  teeth  almost  wholly  wanting  in  adult;  the 
young  with  feeble  teeth;  gill-rakers  less  than  one-third  the  length  of 
eye,  9  to  n  on  the  lower  limb  of  first  arch;  scales  minute,  more  or 
less  embedded;  lateral  line  anteriorly  with  a  broad  angle,  entirely 
unarmed;  first  dorsal  with  6  short,  stiff  spines;  second  dorsal  and 
anal  similar,  anteriorly  only  moderately  elevated,  the  longest  rays 
reaching  about  middle  of  base  of  fins  when  deflexed;  caudal  broadly 
forked,  the  lobes  in  adult  much  longer  than  head;  ventrals  small, 
somewhat  shorter  than  postorbital  part  of  head;  pectorals  constantly 
shorter  than  head,  3.95  to  4  in  length  of  body. 

Color  bluish  or  grayish  above,  lower  part  of  sides  and  abdomen 
silvery;  elevated  portion  of  dorsal,  caudal  and  pectorals  black  or  dusky; 
other  fins  mostly  pale  or  yellowish  in  life;  a  black  blotch  present  under 
base  of  pectoral  rays. 


5    E 


z    E 


APRIL  15,  1925.    FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.     381 

The  present  collection  contains  only  2  specimens  of  this  species, 
225  and  260  mm.  in  length.  We  have  for  comparison  one  specimen, 
265  mm.  in  length,  collected  by  Dr.  Gilbert  and  associates  who  found 
the  species  more  common  at  Panama  than  the  present  authors.  The 
above  description  is  based  on  the  three  specimens  mentioned.  This 
species  is  close  to  T.  falcatus,  but  the  dorsal  fin  is  slightly  shorter,  and 
the  second  dorsal  and  anal  are  much  lower  anteriorly.  This  last  dif- 
ference, owing  to  the  great  change  the  dorsal  and  anal  undergo  with 
age,  is  noticeable  only  when  specimens  nearly  of  like  size  are  compared. 

Known  from  Lower  California  to  Guayaquil.  Our  specimens  are 
from  the  Panama  City  market. 

283.  Trachinotus  culveri  Jordan  &  Starks.     (Plate  XXXV.) 
Trachinotus  culveri  Jordan  &  Starks,  in  Jordan,  Proc.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  2nd 

Sen,  V,  1895,  439,  PI.  XXXVI  (Mazatlan)  ;  Jordan  &  Evermann, 

Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  942,  PI.  CXLVII,  fig.  397; 

Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  84   (Panama 

Bay). 

Head  2.9  to  3.5;  depth  1.3  to  1.57;  D.  VI-I,  17  or  18;  A.  II-I, 
16  or  17. 

Body  ovate,  strongly  compressed ;  the  back  strongly  elevated ;  profile 
of  snout  vertical,  from  snout  to  second  dorsal  ascending  in  a  straight, 
oblique  or  slightly  convex  line;  dorsal  and  ventral  outline  scarcely 
angulate  at  origin  of  second  dorsal  and  anal  in  adult,  evenly  convex 
in  young;  head  short,  rather  low  at  nape;  snout  extremely  short  and 
blunt,  4.25  to  5.15  in  head ;  eye  3.2  to  3.7 ;  mouth  small,  slightly  oblique ; 
upper  jaw  very  little  in  advance  of  the  lower;  maxillary  scarcely 
reaching  middle  of  eye,  3  to  3.45  in  head;  teeth  present  in  villiform 
bands  on  jaws,  vomer,  palatines  and  tongue  in  specimens  at  hand; 
gill-rakers  less  than  a  third  the  length  of  eye,  9  to  II  on  the  lower 
limb  of  first  arch ;  scales  minute,  embedded ;  lateral  line  nearly  straight, 
unarmed;  first  dorsal  with  6  short,  stiff  spines,  separate  in  adult, 
connected  by  membrane  in  young;  second  dorsal  and  anal  similar, 
anteriorly  moderately  elevated  in  adult,  the  longest  rays  reaching 
slightly  past  middle  of  base  of  fins  when  deflexed,  in  very  young  the 
outer  margin  of  these  fins  evenly  convex;  caudal  broadly  forked,  the 
lobes  produced  in  adult,  notably  longer  than  head,  not  produced  in 
young  and  shorter  than  head;  ventrals  small,  notably  shorter  than 
postorbital  part  of  head;  pectorals  constantly  shorter  than  head,  4  to 
5.8  in  length  of  body. 


382    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

Color  bluish  or  black  above;  some  small  specimens  wholly  reddish 
black ;  lighter  colored  specimens  with  the  lower  part  of  sides  and  abdo- 
men pale  with  dusky  punctulations ;  fins  of  all  of  our  largest  specimens 
dusky,  the  produced  portion  of  second  dorsal  and  the  tips  of  lobes  of 
caudal  black;  caudals  and  pectorals  pale  in  young;  other  fins  mostly 
black ;  no  black  blotch  under  base  of  pectoral  rays. 

The  young  were  taken  in  large  numbers  at  Taboga  Island,  swimming 
at  the  surface,  among  dead  leaves,  which  were  of  the  same  color  as 
the  fish. 

Of  this  species  there  are  154  specimens,  ranging  in  length  from 
20  to  195  mm.,  in  the  present  collection.  This  species  differs  from 
T.  falcatus  in  the  slightly  shorter  dorsal  fin,  in  the  less  convex  dorsal 
profile,  and  in  the  much  lower  vertical  fins.  It  differs  from  T. 
kennedyi  in  the  lower  head,  the  less  convex  dorsal  profile,  slightly 
deeper  body,  and  shorter  maxillary.  The  color  of  T.  culveri,  in 
specimens  at  hand,  is  much  darker  and  the  black  blotch  under  base  of 
pectoral  rays  is  wanting. 

Known  from  Mazatlan  to  Panama.  Our  specimens  are  from  Chame 
Point,  Taboga  Island,  and  the  Panama  City  market. 

284.  Trachinotus  glaucus  (Bloch).      (Plate  XXXVI,  fig.  i.) 
Chatodon  glaucus  Bloch,  Naturg.  Ausl.  Fische,  III,  1787,  112,  PI.  CCX 

(Martinique;  on  a  figure  by  Plumier). 
Trachinotus  glaucus  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  VIII, 

1831,  400;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII, 

1896,  940,  PL.  CXLVI,  fig.  395 ;  Fowler,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila., 

1917,  132  (Colon). 
Trachynotus  glaucus  Giinther,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus.,  II,   1860,  483; 

Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.   S.  Nat.  Mus.,   1882,  270;   Meek  & 

Goss,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1884,  122. 
Trachynotus  rhodopus  Meek  &  Goss,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1884, 

125  (part). 

Head  3  to  3.9;  depth  1.9  to  2.65;  D.  V  or  VI-I,  19  or  20;  A.  II-I, 
17  or  18. 

Body  more  or  less  elongate,  strongly  compressed;  the  back 
moderately  elevated ;  profile  over  snout  very  steep,  from  snout  to  origin 
of  second  dorsal  only  slightly  convex;  dorsal  and  ventral  outlines 
forming  broad,  obtuse  angles  at  origin  of  second  dorsal  and  anal ;  head 
rather  low;  snout  very  blunt,  3.7  to  4.75  in  head;  eye  3  to  4.1 ;  mouth 
rather  small,  oblique;  upper  jaws  in  advance  of  lower;  maxillary  of 


FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY. 


ZOOLOGY.   VOL.   XIV,    PL.    XXXVI. 


FIG.  1.    TRACHINOTUS  GLAUCUS  d'.iochi 

From  a  specimen  80  mm.  in  length. 


FIG.  2.    TRACHINOTUS  PALOMA  Jordan  &  Starks. 

From  a  specimen  82  mm.  in  length. 


P    E 

O    -S 


APRIL  15,  1925.    FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    383 

moderate  width,  reaching  about  middle  of  eye,  2.2  to  2.76  in  head; 
teeth  in  jaws  in  villiform  bands;  vomer  and  palatines  each  with  a 
small  patch  of  teeth;  tongue  toothless;  gill-rakers  very  short  and 
sharply  pointed,  less  than  a  third  the  length  of  eye,  8  to  10  on  lower 
limb  of  first  arch;  scales  small,  more  or  less  embedded;  head  with  a 
few  scattered  scales;  lateral  line  with  only  a  slight  curve,  and  wholly 
without  bony  scutes;  first  dorsal  with  6  short,  stiff  spines,  the  first 
one  occasionally  becoming  obsolete  in  adult;  second  dorsal  and  anal 
similar,  the  anterior  rays  very  much  produced,  reaching  nearly  to  tip 
of  caudal  in  adult,  little,  if  at  all,  produced  in  specimens  less  than 
80  mm.  in  length;  caudal  deeply  forked,  the  lobes  much  produced  in 
adult,  much  shorter  in  young;  ventrals  rather  small,  about  as  long  as 
postorbital  part  of  head;  pectorals  constantly  shorter  than  head,  4.55 
to  5.5  in  length  of  body. 

Color  variable,  from  bluish  black  to  pale  brown  above,  silvery 
below;  sides  with  4  or  5  cross-bars,  which  vary  much  in  width  and 
intensity,  wholly  wanting  on  specimens  less  than  75  mm.  in  length; 
produced  rays  of  dorsal  and  anal  and  outer  rays  of  caudal  black; 
fins  otherwise  mostly  pale. 

We  have  only  4  small  specimens  of  this  species,  ranging  from  35 
to  80  mm.  in  length.  We  have  also  examined  specimens  of  this  species 
from  North  Carolina,  Bahama  Islands,  Cuba  and  Honduras.  The 
above  description  is  based  on  all  the  material  examined. 

Known  from  Virginia  southward  to  Argentina.  Our  specimens 
are  from  Toro  Point,  and  Porto  Bello. 

285.  Trachinotus  rhodopus  Gill.     (Plate  XXXVII.) 

Trachynotus  rhodopus  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1863,  85  (Cape 

San  Lucas ;  young  of  2  inches)  ;  Meek  &  Goss,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci. 

Phila.,  1884,  125  (in  part;  not  of  Gill). 
Trachynotus  nasutus  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1863,  85  (Cape 

San  Lucas ;  young  of  i  inch) . 
Trachynotus   fasciatus   Gill,    Proc.    Ac.    Nat.    Sci.    Phila.,    1863,   86 

(Panama). 
Trachynotus  glaucoides  Giinther,  Proc.  Zool.  Soc.  London,  1864,  150 

(San  Jose,  Guatemala). 
Trachinotus  rhodopus  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

XLVII,  1896,  941 ;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV, 

1904,  82  (Panama  Bay)  ;  Kendall  &  Radcliffe,  Memoir.  Mus.  Comp. 

Zool.,  XXXV,  1912,  loo. 


384    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

Head  3  to  4.1;  depth  1.8  to  2.65;  D.  VI-I,  19  to  21;  A.  II-I, 
1 8  to  20. 

Body  more  or  less  elongate,  strongly  compressed;  the  back 
moderately  elevated ;  profile  of  snout  very  steep,  from  snout  to  second 
dorsal  only  slightly  convex;  dorsal  and  ventral  outlines  forming  broad 
obtuse  angles  at  origin  of  second  dorsal  and  anal;  head  rather  low; 
snout  blunt,  3.9  to  4.4  in  head;  eye  3.3  to  4.2;  mouth  rather  small, 
slightly  oblique ;  upper  jaw  in  advance  of  lower ;  maxillary  of  moderate 
width,  reaching  about  middle  of  eye,  2.3  to  2.8  in  head ;  teeth  in  jaws 
in  villiform  bands;  vomer  and  palatines  each  with  a  small  patch  of 
teeth;  tongue  toothless;  gill-rakers  rather  long  and  blunt,  at  least  half 
as  long  as  eye,  13  to  15  on  the  lower  limb  of  first  arch;  scales  small, 
more  or  less  embedded;  head  mostly  without  scales;  lateral  line  with 
only  a  very  slight  curve,  and  wholly  without  bony  scutes;  first  dorsal 
with  6  short,  stiff  spines;  second  dorsal  and  anal  similar,  the  anterior 
rays  much  produced,  reaching  nearly  to  tip  of  caudal  in  adult,  little, 
if  at  all,  produced  in  specimens  less  than  80  mm.  in  length;  caudal 
deeply  forked,  the  lobes  produced  in  adult,  much  shorter  in  young; 
ventrals  rather  small,  as  long  as  postorbital  part  of  head;  pectorals 
constantly  shorter  than  head,  4.7  to  5.65  in  length  of  body. 

Color  black  or  brownish  above,  silvery  below;  sides  with  4  or  5 
black  cross-bars,  which  vary  greatly  in  width  and  intensity,  wholly 
wanting  in  specimens  less  than  about  75  mm.  in  length;  fins  in  dark 
specimens  mostly  black;  in  light  specimens  only  the  produced  rays  of 
dorsal  and  anal  and  outside  rays  of  caudal  are  black;  a  black  blotch 
under  base  of  pectoral  usually  present. 

Of  this  species  no  specimens,  ranging  from  30  to  285  mm.  in 
length,  were  secured.  This  species  differs  from  T.  glaucus,  its  Atlantic 
representative,  in  the  longer  and  more  numerous  gill-rakers,  and  in  the 
slightly  longer  anal.  The  average  number  of  soft  anal  rays  in  12 
specimens  is  18.7-)-  in  T.  rhodopus.  For  the  same  number  of  specimens 
it  is  17.94-  m  T.  glaucus.  The  difference  in  profile  mentioned  by 
Jordan  &  Evermann  (Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  p.  941)  is  an 
unreliable  character.  The  dorsal  profile  is  greatly  changed  when  the 
fish  is  preserved  with  the  mouth  open,  becoming  less  convex  or  even 
slightly  concave.  In  specimens  with  the  mouth  closed,  we  can  not  de- 
tect the  slightest  difference  with  respect  to  the  dorsal  profile. 

Known  from  the  Pacific  coast  of  tropical  America,  from  Mazatlan 
to  Tumaco,  Colombia.  Our  specimens  are  from  Chame  Point,  Taboga 
Island  and  the  Panama  City  market. 


APRIL  15,  1925.    FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    385 

286.  Trachinotus  carolinus  (Linnaeus). 

Gasterosteus    carolinus    Linnaeus,    Syst.    Nat.,    Ed.    XII,    1766,    490 

(Carolina). 
Trachinotus   argenteus    Cuvier   &    Valenciennes,    Hist.    Nat.    Poiss., 

VIII,  1831,  413  (New  York;  Rio  de  Janeiro). 
Trachinotus  aipreus  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  VIII, 

1831,  414  (Martinique). 
Trachinotus  pampanus  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  VIII, 

1831,  414,  PI.  CCXXXVII  (Brazil). 

Doliodon  carolinus  Girard,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1858,  168. 
Bothrolamus  pampanus  Holbrook,  Ichth.  South  Carolina,  Ed.  I,  1855, 

8 1  (Charleston). 

Trachynotus  carolinus  Gill,  Proc,  Ac.   Nat.    Sci.   Phila.,    1862,  438. 
Trachinotus  carolinus  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.   S.  Nat.  Mus., 

XLVII,  1896,  944,  PI.  CXLVII,  fig.  398. 

Head  3.2  to  4.15;  depth  2.0  to  2.35;  D.  V  or  VI-I,  23  to  25;  A. 
1I-I,  20  to  23. 

Body  elongate,  strongly  compressed ;  the  back  moderately  elevated ; 
profile  of  snout  strongly  convex,  from  snout  to  second  dorsal  moderately 
and  evenly  convex;  body  outlines  without  marked  angles  at  origin 
of  second  dorsal  and  anal ;  head  short  and  rather  deep ;  snout  short  and 
blunt,  4.2  to  4.9  in  head ;  eye  3.2  to  4.6 ;  mouth  moderate,  slightly  oblique ; 
upper  jaw  in  advance  of  the  lower;  maxillary  reaching  to  or  slightly 
past  middle  of  eye,  2.7  to  3.0  in  head;  teeth  weak,  in  villiform  bands 
in  young,  becoming  obsolete  with  age;  gill-rakers  short,  less  than  a 
third  the  length  of  eye,  7  or  8,  rarely  9,  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch; 
scales  minute,  embedded ;  lateral  line  nearly  straight,  entirely  unarmed ; 
first  dorsal  with  6,  rarely  with  5,  short,  stiff  spines  connected  by  mem- 
brane in  young,  separate  in  adult;  second  dorsal  and  anal  similar,  an- 
teriorly not  greatly  elevated,  the  longest  rays  in  adult  reaching  about 
middle  of  base  of  fins  when  deflexed,  much  shorter  in  young;  caudal 
widely  forked,  the  lobes  longer  than  head  in  adult,  shorter  in  young; 
ventrals  small,  usually  slightly  shorter  than  postorbital  part  of  head; 
pectorals  shorter  than  head,  4.2  to  5.55  in  length  of  body. 

Color  bluish  above,  silvery  below;  ventrals  pale;  other  fins  usually 
black  or  dusky. 

This  species  was  not  taken  by  us.  It  is  here  described  from 
specimens  from  Massachusetts,  New  York,  New  Jersey,  North  Carolina 
and  Yucatan,  ranging  in  length  from  70  to  365  mm. 

Known  from  Massachusetts  to  Brazil. 


386    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

287.  Trachinotus  paloma  Jordan  &  Starks.    (Plate  XXXVI,  fig.  2.) 
Trachinotus  paloma  Jordan  &  Starks,  in  Jordan,  Proc.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci., 

2nd  Ser.,  V,  1895,  437  (Mazatlan)  ;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S. 

Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  945 ;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac. 

Sci.,  IV,  1904,  84  (Panama  Bay)  ;  Starks,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

1906,  786  (Ecuador). 

Head  3.4  to  3.7;  depth  2.25  to  2.65;  D.  VI-I,  25  to  27;  A.  II-I, 
22  to  24. 

Body  elongate,  strongly  compressed ;  the  back  not  greatly  elevated ; 
profile  of  snout  strongly  convex,  from  snout  to  second  dorsal  only 
slightly  convex;  outlines  of  body  not  angulate  at  origin  of  second 
dorsal  and  anal;  head  rather  short  and  low;  snout  rather  blunt,  3.6 
to  4.45  in  head;  eye  4  to  4.8;  mouth  moderate,  oblique;  the  upper  jaw 
in  advance  of  the  lower;  maxillary  reaching  about  middle  of  eye,  2.6 
to  2.9  in  head;  teeth  weak,  in  villiform  bands  in  young  (no  adult 
specimens  at  hand)  ;  gill-rakers  moderate  in  length,  about  half  the 
length  of  eye,  9  or  10,  rarely  only  8,  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch;  scales 
minute,  more  or  less  embedded;  lateral  line  nearly  straight,  entirely 
unarmed ;  first  dorsal  with  6  short,  stiff  spines,  connected  by  membrane 
in  very  young,  separate  in  adult;  second  dorsal  and  anal  similar, 
anteriorly  not  greatly  elevated,  the  longest  rays  failing  to  reach  middle 
of  base  of  fins  when  deflexed  in  largest  specimens  at  hand,  shorter  in 
young;  caudal  widely  forked;  ventrals  small,  scarcely  as  long  as 
postorbital  part  of  head;  pectorals  shorter  than  head,  4.85  to  5.8  in 
length  of  body. 

Color  bluish  or  grayish  above,  silvery  below;  ventrals  pale;  other 
fins  all  with  more  or  less  black  or  dusky;  the  elevated  portion  of 
dorsal  always  black. 

Of  this  species  there  are  only  7  small  specimens,  ranging  from 
75  to  80  mm.  in  length,  in  the  present  collection.  Besides  these  we 
have  examined  6  specimens,  ranging  from  70  to  140  mm.  in  length, 
from  Cape  San  Lucas.  This  species  is  very  close  to  T.  carolinus, 
from  which  it  appears  to  differ  in  the  following  characters :  (a)  The 
body  is  scarcely  as  deep,  this  character  being  apparent  only  when 
specimens  of  like  size  are  compared.  The  body  of  both  species  appears 
to  increase  with  age  and  thus  measurements  overlap.  In  specimens 
about  80  mm.  in  length,  the  depth  is  contained  2.45  to  2.65  in  length 
in  T.  paloma;  in  T.  carolinus,  2.15  to  2.35.  (b)  The  gill-rakers  are 
longer  and  slightly  greater  in  number,  (c)  The  soft  dorsal  and  anal 
are  slightly  longer.  In  the  12  specimens  at  hand  of  T.  paloma,  2  have 
25  rays  in  the  soft  dorsal,  6  have  26,  and  4  have  27.  In  4  specimens 


APRIL  15,  1925.    FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    387 

the  anal  has  22  rays,  in  6  it  has  23,  in  one  it  has  24  and  in  another 
it  has  25.  In  20  specimens  of  T.  carolinus,  3  have  23  rays  in  the  soft 
dorsal,  14  have  24,  and  3  have  25.  In  the  anal  fin  one  specimen  has 
20  rays,  n  have  21,  7  have  22,  and  one  has  23. 

Known  from  Lower  California  to  Peru.    Our  specimens  are  from 
Chame  Point. 

112.  Genus  Oligoplites  Gill. 

Oligoplites  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1863,  166  (type  Oligoplites 
occidentals  GiH=Scomber  saurus  Bloch  &  Schneider). 
Body  compressed,  oblong  or  lanceolate ;  dorsal  profile  anteriorly  with 
sharp  keel;  head  short,  compressed  and  rather  pointed;  mouth  rather 
large,  oblique;  lower  jaw  usually  slightly  projecting,  premaxillaries  not 
protractile,  except  in  very  young;  maxillary  long  and  very  narrow, 
without  a  distinct  supplemental  bone;  teeth  present  in  both  jaws, 
vomer,  palatines  and  tongue,  none  on  pterygoids,  those  on  jaws  in 
bands;  gill-rakers  rather  long;  scales  small,  linear,  embedded  in  the 
skin  and  placed  at  different  angles  to  each  other ;  lateral  line  anteriorly 
with  a  low  arch  or  broad  angle,  unarmed ;  dorsal  spines  3  to  5,  connected 
at  base  by  low  membranes;  second  dorsal  and  anal  similar  and  of 
about  equal  length,  more  or  less  elevated  anteriorly,  with  deep  notches 
between  their  posterior  rays ;  anal  preceded  by  2  strong  spines ;  pectoral 
fins  very  short. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES. 

a.  Head  above  with  numerous  pores  which  lead  to  canals  which 
ramify  under  the  skin;  gill-rakers  rather  few,  7  to  II,  exclusive 
of  rudiments,  on  the  lower  limb  of  first  arch. 

b.  Body  elongate,  the  dorsal  outline  not  angulate  at  origin  of 
second  dorsal ;  head  short,  4.25  to  4.3  in  length  of  body ;  mouth 
moderate,  the  maxillary  reaching  posterior  margin  of  eye  in 
adult,  1.65  to  1.75  in  head;  band  of  teeth  in  lower  jaw  with 
an  outside  series  of  slightly  enlarged,  very  close  set,  laterally 
compressed,  movable  teeth.  altus,  p.  388. 

bb.  Body  deep,  the  dorsal  outline  angulate  at  origin  of  second 
dorsal ;  head  longer,  3.8  to  4.05  in  length  of  body ;  mouth  very 
large,  the  maxillary  reaching  much  beyond  eye  in  adult,  to 
posterior  margin  of  eye  in  very  young,  1.45  to  1.65  in  head; 
band  of  teeth  in  lower  jaw  with  an  outside  series  of  slightly 
enlarged,  well  separated,  pointed  teeth.  mundus,  p.  389. 

aa.  Head  without  pores  and  canals;  gill-rakers  more  numerous,  13 
to  17  on  the  lower  limb  of  first  arch. 


388    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

c.  Body  moderately  elongate,  its  depth  3.3  to  4.0  in  its  length; 
mouth  rather  large,  the  maxillary  reaching  slightly  past  middle 
of  eye  in  very  young,  past  posterior  margin  of  eye  in  adult; 
band  of  teeeth  in  lower  jaw,  with  the  outside  series  somewhat 
enlarged,  composed  of  well  separated  pointed  teeth. 

d.  A  well  developed  membrane  connecting  anterior  part  of  the  first 
branchiostegal  rays  across  the  isthmus.  saliens,  p.  390. 

dd.  No  membrane  connecting  anterior  branchiostegal  rays  across 
isthmus.  saurus,  p.  390. 

cc.  Body  very  elongate,  its  depth  4.0  to  4.6  in  its  length;  mouth 
small,  the  maxillary  not  reaching  past  middle  of  eye,  2.3  to  2.45 
in  head ;  bands  of  teeth  in  lower  jaw  with  an  outside  series 
of  slightly  enlarged,  very  close  set,  laterally  compressed,  mov- 
able teeth.  ,  refulgent,  p.  392. 

288.  Oligoplites  altus  (Giinther).     (Plate  XXXVIII,  fig.  i.) 
Chorinemus  altus  Gunther,  Trans.  Zool.  Soc.  London,  VI,  1869,  433 

(Panama). 
Oligoplites  altus  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1882,  374 ; 

Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  899; 

Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.   Sci.,  IV,  1904,  72,  PI.  XI, 

fig.  20  (Panama  Bay). 

Head  4.25  to  4.3;  depth  3.0  to  3.2;  D.  IV  or  V-I,  20;  A.  II-I,  20. 

Body  slender,  compressed ;  dorsal  profile  anteriorly  nearly  straight, 
not  forming  an  angle  at  the  origin  of  the  second  dorsal ;  lower  outline 
a  little  more  strongly  rounded  than  the  upper;  head  short,  its  upper 
surface  with  numerous  pores;  snout  rather  pointed,  4.4  in  head;  eye 
3.7;  mouth  quite  oblique;  lower  jaw  projecting;  maxillary  narrow, 
reaching  posterior  margin  of  eye,  1.65  to  1.75  in  head;  teeth  small, 
present  on  both  jaws,  vomer,  palatines  and  tongue;  the  teeth  in  jaws 
in  bands,  the  one  on  lower  jaw  very  wide,  with  an  outer  row  of  very 
close  set,  movable,  laterally  compressed  teeth  projecting  above  the 
other  teeth ;  gill-rakers  short,  the  longest  only  slightly  longer  than  half 
the  diameter  of  eye,  10  or  n,  exclusive  of  rudiments,  on  the  lower  limb 
of  first  arch ;  anterior  branchiostegal  rays  connected  across  isthmus  by 
a  thin  transparent  membrane;  scales  long  and  narrow,  numerous,  and 
placed  at  angles  to  each  other  as  in  O.  saliens;  lateral  line  with  a 
low  arch  anteriorly,  sometimes  forming  a  broad  obtuse  angle;  spines 
of  first  dorsal  connected  by  low  membranes  at  base;  second  dorsal 
and  anal  anteriorly  not  much  elevated,  the  longest  rays  reaching  little,  if 


APRIL  15,  1925.    FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.     389 

at  all,  past  the  tips  of  the  succeeding  rays  when  deflexed,  the  lower 
portion  of  fins  with  deep  notches  between  the  rays;  ventrals  inserted 
a  little  nearer  the  origin  of  anal  than  tip  of  mandible,  reaching  nearly  or 
quite  to  vent;  pectorals  of  moderate  length,  1.4  in  head. 

Color  bluish  above,  sides  silvery;  fins  mostly  yellowish  green  in 
life. 

Only  2  specimens  of  this  species  were  secured,  respectively  220  and 
240  mm.  in  length. 

Known  from  the  Pacific  coast  of  Panama  to  Guayaquil.  All  records 
from  other  localities  which  we  have  examined  are  very  probably  refer- 
able to  O.  mundus.  Our  specimens  are  from  Chame  Point  and  the 
Panama  City  market. 

289.  Oligoplites  mundus  Jordan  &  Starks.  (Plate  XXXVIII,  fig.  2.) 
Oligoplites  mundus  Jordan  &  Starks,  in  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Rept. 

U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  XXI,  1895   (1896),  344  (Mazatlan,  Mexico; 

name  only)  ;  Jordan  &  Starks,  in  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S. 

Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1898,  2844  (first  description) ;  Gilbert  &  Starks, 

Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  74,  PI.  XII,  fig.  21    (Panama 

Bay) ;  Starks,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1906,  784  (Ecuador). 

Head  3.8  to  4.05;  depth  2.75  to  3.1;  D.  IV-I,  18  or  19;  A.  II-I, 
1 8  to  20. 

Body  deep,  strongly  compressed;  dorsal  profile  nearly  straight 
anteriorly,  forming  an  angle  at  origin  of  second  dorsal ;  ventral  outline 
strongly  convex;  head  rather  large,  its  upper  surface  with  numerous 
pores;  snout  pointed,  4.45  to  5.1  in  head;  eye  3.4  to  4.45;  mouth  very 
oblique;  lower  jaw  projecting;  maxillary  very  long  and  narrow, 
reaching  much  beyond  eye  in  adult,  scarcely  to  posterior  margin  of 
eye  in  very  young,  1.45  to  1.65  in  head;  teeth  small,  present  on  both 
jaws,  vomer,  palatines  and  tongue;  the  teeth  in  jaws  in  bands,  the  one 
on  lower  jaw  of  moderate  width,  with  the  inner  and  outer  series 
somewhat  enlarged,  composed  of  well  separated,  pointed  teeth; 
gill-rakers  few,  the  longest  about  two-thirds  the  length  of  eye,  7  to  9, 
exclusive  of  rudiments,  on  the  lower  limb  of  first  arch;  anterior 
branchiostegal  rays  connected  across  the  isthmus  by  a  thin,  transparent 
membrane;  scales  very  long  and  narrow,  fewer  and  more  scattered 
than  in  O.  altus;  lateral  line  with  a  low  arch,  sometimes  forming  a 
broad  obtuse  angle ;  spines  of  first  dorsal  connected  by  low  membranes 
at  base;  second  dorsal  and  anal  moderately  elevated  anteriorly,  the 
longest  rays  reaching  past  the  tips  of  succeeding  rays  when  deflexed, 
the  low  portion  of  fins  with  notches  between  the  rays ;  ventrals  inserted 


390    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

a  little  nearer  origin  of  anal  than  tip  of  mandible,  failing  to  reach  vent 
in  adult,  reaching  to  or  past  vent  in  young;  pectorals  rather  short,  1.5 
to  1.8  in  head. 

Color  bluish  above,  sides  silvery;  fins  mostly  yellowish  in  life. 

This  species  is  represented  by  49  specimens,  ranging  from  65  to 
345  mm.  in  length. 

Known  from  the  Gulf  of  California  to  Ecuador.  Our  specimens 
are  from  tide  streams,  Corozal;  tide  streams,  beach,  and  Panama  Bay 
at  Balboa,  and  the  Panama  City  market. 

290.  Oligoplites  saliens  (Bloch). 

Scomber  saliens   Bloch,    Naturg.   Ausl.    Fische,    VII,    1793,   49,    PI. 

CCCXXXV  (Antilles). 
Scomberoides  sdtator  Lacepede,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  II,  1800,  PI.  XIX, 

fig.  2  (opposite  p.  596),  text,  III,  1802,  55. 
Chorinemus  saliens  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  VIII, 

1831,  389. 
Oligoplites  saliens  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII, 

1896,  899;  Starks,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1906,  784,  and  Leland 

Stanford  Jr.  Univ.  Pub.,  Univ.  Sen,  1913,  43. 

This  species  was  not  seen  by  us.  It  is  said  to  differ  from  O.  saurus 
in  having  a  well  developed  membrane  connecting  the  anterior  part  of 
the  first  pair  of  branchiostegal  rays  across  the  isthmus.  The  maxillary 
is  more  evenly  and  gently  curved  downward,  and  longer,  reaching  past 
eye  in  specimens  over  180  mm.  long  (see  Starks,  Leland  Stanford  Jr. 
Univ.  Pub.,  Univ.  Ser.,  1913,  pp.  43  &  44). 

Recorded  from  the  West  Indies  and  Brazil. 

291.  Oligoplites   saurus    (Bloch   &    Schneider).     (Plate   XXXIX, 
fig.  i.) 

Scomber  saurus  Bloch  &  Schneider,  Syst.  Ichth.,  1801,  321  (Jamaica; 

based  on  the  Leather  Coat,  or  Saurus  argenteus  of  Browne). 
Centronotus  argenteus  Lacepede,   Hist.   Nat.   Poiss.,   Ill,    1802,  316 

(Equatorial  America). 
Lichia  quiebra  Quoy  &  Gaimard,  in  Freycinet,  Voy.  Uranie  et  Physi- 

cienne,  Zool.,  1824,  365  (Equatorial  America). 
Chorinemus  saltans  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  VIII, 

J83i,  393  (Martinique,  San  Domingo,  and  Brazil). 
Chorinemus  occidentalis  Giinther,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus.,  II,  1860,  475 

(not   Gasterosteus   occidentalis   Linnaeus)  ;   Boulenger,   Boll.    Mus. 

Zool.  Anat.  Torino,  XIV,  No.  346,  1899,  3. 


S?    E 


II 

O   - 


APRIL  15,  1925.    FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    391 

Oligoplites   inornatus    Gill,    Proc.   Ac.    Nat.    Sci.    Phila.,    1863,    166 

(Panama). 

Oligoplites  occidentals  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1863,  167. 
Chorinetmis  inornatus  Giinther,  Trans.  Zool.  Soc.  London,  VI,  1869, 

433- 
Scombroides  occidentalis  Jordan  &  Gilbert,   Bull.  U.   S.   Nat.  Mus., 

XVI,  1883,  447- 
Oligoplites  saurus  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904, 

70  (Panama  Bay) ;  Starks,  Leland  Stanford  Jr.  Univ.  Pub.,  Univ. 

Sen,  1913,  43. 

Head  3.7  to  4.8 ;  depth  3.3  to  4.0 ;  D.  V-I,  19  to  21 ;  A.  II-I,  19  to  21. 

Body  rather  slender,  strongly  compressed;  dorsal  profile  anteriorly 
nearly  straight,  and  not  angulated  at  origin  of  second  dorsal ;  lower  out- 
line anteriorly  about  evenly  convex ;  head  rather  long,  its  upper  surface 
without  pores;  snout  pointed,  3.4  to  4  in  head;  eye  3.44  to  4.2; 
mouth  oblique;  lower  jaw  slightly  projecting;  maxillary  very  narrow, 
reaching  to  or  slightly  past  posterior  margin  of  eye  in  adult, 
only  slightly  past  middle  of  eye  in  young  of  about  55  mm.  in  length, 
1.7  to  1.85  in  head;  teeth  small,  present  on  both  jaws,  vomer,  palatines 
and  tongue,  those  on  jaws  in  bands,  the  one  on  lower  jaw  of  moderate 
width,  with  the  inner  and  outer  series  somewhat  enlarged,  composed 
of  well  separated,  pointed  teeth ;  gill-rakers  about  two-thirds  the  length 
of  eye,  13  or  14,  exclusive  of  rudiments,  on  the  lower  limb  of  first 
arch;  anterior  branchiostegal  rays  not  connected  across  the  isthmus 
by  a  membrane;  scales  long  and  very  narrow,  placed  obliquely  and  at 
angles  to  each  other;  lateral  line  with  a  low  arch  anteriorly,  which 
sometimes  forms  a  broad  obtuse  angle ;  spines  of  first  dorsal  connected 
by  membranes  at  base ;  second  dorsal  and  anal  little  elevated  anteriorly, 
the  longest  rays  not  reaching  past  tips  of  succeeding  rays  when 
deflexed,  the  low  portions  of  fins  with  deep  notches  between  the  rays; 
ventrals  inserted  slightly  nearer  origin  of  anal  than  tip  of  mandible, 
usually  reaching  to  or  slightly  past  vent;  pectorals  short,  1.57  to  1.85 
in  head. 

Color  bluish  above,  sides  silvery ;  fins  mostly  yellowish  in  life. 

We  have  55  specimens  of  this  species,  ranging  from  25  to  300  mm. 
in  length.  Of  these  31  are  from  the  Atlantic  coast  and  24  from  the 
Pacific.  Numerous  specimens  from  the  West  Indies,  Florida,  Texas, 
Nicaragua,  Brazil,  and  the  west  coast  of  Mexico  and  Central  America 
were  also  examined.  We  are  unable  to  detect  any  differences  between 
Atlantic  and  Pacific  specimens,  or  between  specimens  from  northern 
and  southern  localities.  The  length  of  the  maxillary  varies  with  age.  In 


392    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

large  examples  it  reaches  to  or  slightly  past  posterior  margin  of  eye, 
while  in  the  very  young  it  reaches  only  slightly  past  middle  of  eye.  The 
comparative  width  of  the  lowest  suborbital  bone  and  the  next  one  above 
it  is  also  an  unreliable  character,  as  these  vary  greatly,  even  on  the  op- 
posite sides  of  the  same  fish.  (See  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Fishes  of  Panama 
Bay,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904^  p.  70.) 

Known  from  both  coasts  of  tropical  America.  Our  Atlantic  coast 
specimens  are  from  Mindi  Cut ;  Fox  Bay,  Colon ;  Colon  Reef,  and  the 
Colon  market.  The  Pacific  coast  specimens  are  from  Chame  Point ;  tide 
streams,  Corozal;  tide  streams,  beach  and  Panama  Bay  at  Balboa,  and 
the  Panama  City  market. 

292.  Oligoplites  refulgens  Gilbert  &  Starks.   (Plate  XXXIX,  fig.  2.) 
Oligoplites  refulgens  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.   Cal.  Ac.   Sci.,   IV, 
1904,  73,  PI.  XI,  fig.  19  (Panama  Bay). 

Head  3.8  to  4.5;  depth  4.0  to  4.6;  D.  IV  or  V-I,  19  to  21;  A. 
II-I,  19  or  20. 

Body  very  slender;  more  elongate  than  in  other  species  of  this 
genus;  dorsal  profile  evenly  convex,  not  forming  an  angle  at  origin 
of  second  dorsal;  ventral  outline  a  little  more  strongly  rounded  than 
the  upper;  head  rather  small,  without  pores;  snout  pointed,  3.2  to  4.15 
in  head;  eye  3.35  to  4.6;  mouth  oblique;  lower  jaw  slightly  projecting; 
maxillary  very  narrow,  reaching  slightly  past  anterior  margin  of  eye 
to  below  middle  of  eye,  2.3  to  2.5  in  head ;  teeth  small,  present  on  both 
jaws,  vomer,  palatines  and  tongue,  those  on  jaws  in  bands,  the  one  on 
lower  jaw  much  as  in  O.  altus,  the  outer  series  of  very  close  set,  com- 
pressed teeth ;  gill-rakers  about  two-thirds  length  of  eye,  16  or  17,  ex- 
clusive of  rudiments,  on  the  lower  limb  of  first  arch ;  anterior  branchios- 
tegal  rays  not  connected  across  the  isthmus  by  a  membrane;  scales 
long  and  narrow,  as  in  O.  saliens;  lateral  line  with  a  low  arch  or  broad 
obtuse  angle  anteriorly ;  spines  of  first  dorsal  connected  at  base  by  mem- 
branes ;  second  dorsal  and  anal  not  greatly  elevated  anteriorly,  the  long- 
est rays  not  reaching  past  the  tips  of  the  succeeding  rays  when  deflexed, 
the  low  portion  of  fins  with  deep  notches  between  the  rays ;  ventrals  in- 
serted about  midway  between  tip  of  mandible  and  origin  of  anal,  usually 
not  quite  reaching  vent;  pectorals  short,  1.65  to  1.85  in  head. 

Color  dark  blue  above,  sides  silvery;  the  dark  blue  of  the  back 
rather  distinctly  defined  by  the  silvery  of  the  sides;  the  body  and  fins 
in  young  often  with  yellowish  green  in  life;  tip  of  snout  and  mandible 
black;  dorsal  and  caudal  usually  dusky,  other  fins  pale  in  spirits. 


APRIL  15,  1925.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    393 

We  have  63  small  specimens,  ranging  from  20  to  95  mm.  in  length, 
which  we  refer  to  this  species. 

Known  from  the  Pacific  coast  of  Panama  to  Guayaquil.  Our 
material  is  from  Chame  Point  and  Taboga  Island. 

113.  Genus  Elagatis  Bennett. 

Elagatis    Bennett,    Whaling    Voyage,    II,    1840,    283    (type    Seriola 

bipinnnlata  Quoy  &  Gaimard). 
Seriolichthys  Bleeker,  Nat.  Tijds.   Ned. — Ind.,  VI,   1854,   196   (type 

Seriola  bipinnulata  Quoy  &  Gaimard). 
Decaptus  Poey,  Memorias,  II,  1860,  391  (type  Seriola  pinnulata  Poey). 

Body  long  and  slender,  not  greatly  compressed,  the  outlines  nowhere 
sharply  trenchant;  head  low;  snout  long  and  pointed;  premaxillaries 
protractile;  maxillary  broad,  with  a  well  developed  supplemental  bone; 
lateral  line  with  a  very  low  and  long  arch,  forming  a  slight  keel  on 
caudal  peduncle,  but  not  armed  with  bony  scutes;  second  dorsal  and 
anal  similar,  not  greatly  elevated  anteriorly,  each  with  a  detached  finlet; 
ventrals  rather  long;  pectorals  short. 

293.  Elagatis  bipinnulatus  (Quoy  &  Gaimard). 

Seriola  bipinnulata  Quoy  &  Gaimard,  in  Freycinet,  Voy.   Uranie  et 

Physicienne,  Zool.,  1824,  363,  PI.  LXI,  fig.  3  (Keeling  Island). 
Elagatis  bipinnulatus  Bennet,  Whaling  Voyage,  II,  1840,  283;  Jordan 

&  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  906. 
Seriola  pinnulata  Poey,  Memorias,  II,  1860,  233  (Havana). 
Seriolichthys  bipinnulatus  Giinther,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus.,  II,  1860,  468. 
Elagatis  pinnulatus  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XVI,  1883, 

446;  Snodgrass  &  Heller,  Proc.  Wash.  Ac.  Sci.,  VI,  1905,  362. 

Head  3.5  to  3.9;  depth  4.0  to  4.38;  D.  V  or  VI-I,  24  to  26-2;  A. 
I  or  II-I,  16  to  18-2. 

Body  elongate,  moderately  compressed;  the  back  scarcely  elevated; 
profile  from  snout  to  dorsal  only  slightly  convex ;  head  rather  low ; 
snout  long  and  pointed,  2.7  to  3.4  in  head ;  eye  3.7  to  5 ;  mouth  small, 
nearly  horizontal;  lower  jaw  slightly  projecting;  maxillary  broad,  with 
a  well  developed  supplemental  bone,  failing  to  reach  anterior  margin  of 
eye,  2.9  to  3.05  in  head ;  teeth  in  villiform  bands,  present  on  jaws, 
vomer,  palatines  and  tongue;  gill-rakers  long  and  slender,  about  three- 
fourths  the  length  of  eye,  25  to  27  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch ;  scales  of 
moderate  size,  present  on  cheeks,  the  rest  of  head  mostly  naked ;  lateral 
line  with  a  long,  low  arch,  the  scales  in  posterior  part  of  straight  portion 
slightly  thickened,  but  not  developed  into  bony  scutes;  first  dorsal 


394    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

with  5  or  6  slender  spines,  connected  by  membrane ;  second  dorsal  and 
anal  similar  in  form,  the  latter,  however,  much  the  shorter,  each  with 
a  single  detached  finlet,  composed  of  2  rays ;  caudal  deeply  forked ; 
ventrals  of  moderate  size,  as  long  as  snout  and  eye;  pectorals  short, 
about  6.6  to  7.75  in  body. 

Color  dark  brown.  Our  small  specimen  with  2  indistinct,  dark 
bands  on  sides;  the  upper  one  beginning  at  upper  posterior  margin  of 
eye  and  running  horizontally  to  upper  margin  of  caudal  peduncle;  the 
lower  one  beginning  at  tip  of  snout,  running  through  lower  margin  of 
eye  and  losing  itself  above  base  of  anal;  fins  pale  or  dusky. 

This  species  is  represented  by  one  specimen,  85  mm.  in  length,  in 
the  present  collection.  It  is  here  described  from  the  above  and  several 
larger  specimens  from  New  York,  Florida  and  Cuba,  ranging  in  length 
form  no  to  460  mm. 

A  pelagic  species  recorded  from  all  warm  seas.  Our  specimen  is 
from  Chame  Point. 

114.  Genus  Seriola  Cuvier. 

Seriola  Cuvier,  Regne  Anim.,  Ed.  I,  II,  1817,  315  (type  Caranx 
dumerili  Risso). 

Micropteryx  Agassiz,  in  Spix,  Pise.  Brasil.,  1831,  102  (type  Seriola 
dumerili  Cuvier). 

Zonichthys  Swainson,  Nat.  Hist.  &  Class.  Fish.,  II,  1839,  248  (type 
Scomber  fasciatus  Bloch). 

Halatractus  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1862,  442  (type  Seriola 
dumerili  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes;  substitute  for  Seriola,  used  in 
Botany). 

Lepidomegas  Thominot,  Bull.  Soc.  Philom.  Paris,  7  ser.,  IV,  1880,  173 
(type  Lepidomegas  muelleri  Thominot). 

Body  elongate,  moderately  compressed ;  the  back  not  greatly 
elevated ;  head  rather  long ;  snout  more  or  less  conical,  not  blunt ; 
mouth  rather  large;  premaxillaries  protractile;  maxillary  very  broad, 
with  a  wide  supplemental  bone ;  teeth  in  broad  villif orm  bands,  present 
on  both  jaws,  vomer,  palatines  and  usually  on  tongue ;  lateral  line  with 
a  long,  low  arch,  unarmed,  forming  a  slight  keel  on  caudal  peduncle  in 
adult;  first  dorsal  with  6  to  8  slender  spines,  connected  by  membrane; 
second  dorsal  long,  more  or  less  elevated  anteriorly;  anal  similar  to 
second  dorsal,  but  much  shorter ;  no  finlets ;  ventral  fins  long ;  pectorals 
broad,  shorter  than  ventrals. 


APRIL  15,  1925.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    395 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES. 

a.  Body  deep,  strongly  compressed,  the  depth  2.45  to  2.9  in  the 
length. 

b.  Dorsal  and  anal  anteriorly  not  notably  elevated ;  gill-rakers  about 
22.  mazatlana,  p.  395. 

bb.  Dorsal  and  anal  anteriorly  notably  elevated,  distinctly  falcate 
in  adult;  gill-rakers  17  or  18.  rivoliana,  p.  396. 

aa.  Body  more  elongate,  not  greatly  compressed,  its  depth  2.95  to 
4.2  in  its  length;  dorsal  and  anal  fins  anteriorly  not  much 
elevated,  slightly  falcate  only  in  very  large  examples. 

c.  Maxillary  reaching  to  or  slightly  past  middle  of  eye,  2.1  to  2.25 
in  length  of  head;  gill-rakers  rather  few,  n  to  14  on  lower 
limb  of  first  arch.  dumerili,  p.  397. 

cc.  Maxillary  shorter,  reaching  to  or  slightly  past  anterior  margin 
of  eye,  2.5  to  2.65  in  head;  gill-rakers  more  numerous,  19  to 
25  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch.  dorsalis,  p.  398. 

294.  Seriola  mazatlana  Steindachner. 

Seriola  mazatlana  Steindachner,  (Sitzb.  k.  Ak.  Wiss.  Wien,  LXXIV) 

Ichth.  Beitr.,  V,  1876,  8  (Mazatlan)  ;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull. 

U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  904, 

Head  2.75  to  2.9 ;  depth  2.45  to  2.75 ;  D.  VII-I,  31  to  33 ;  A.  II,  22. 

Body  deep,  rather  strongly  compressed ;  head  as  deep  as  long ;  snout 
tapering,  4  to  5.25  in  head;  eye  3  to  3.5;  mouth  oblique,  terminal; 
maxillary  scarcely  reaching  anterior  margin  of  pupil,  2.4  to  2.6  in  head ; 
teeth  all  small,  in  villiform  bands,  present  on  jaws,  vomer,  palatines 
and  tongue;  gill-rakers  slender,  about  22  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch; 
scales  very  small,  wanting  on  upper  surface  of  head  and  snout,  present 
on  cheeks;  lateral  line  with  a  long,  low  arch  anteriorly,  more  or  less 
wavy,  the  arched  part  shorter  than  the  straight  portion;  first  dorsal 
low,  the  spines  scarcely  longer  than  eye,  the  soft  part  about  a  fourth 
higher,  not  elevated  anteriorly,  the  outer  margin  convex;  caudal  fin 
forked;  anal  fin  with  2  short  detached  spines,  the  soft  part  similar 
to  that  of  the  dorsal  but  notably  shorter ;  ventral  fins  somewhat  longer 
than  the  pectorals,  inserted  just  behind  base  of  pectorals;  pectoral  fins 
short,  the  upper  rays  longest,  1.75  to  2.3  in  head. 

Color  very  dark  brown,  sides  with  about  10  narrow,  vertical  bars 
of  lighter  brown;  a  rather  indistinct  dark  bar  extending  upward  and 
backward  from  upper  posterior  margin  of  eye,  meeting  its  fellow  at 
nape ;  caudal  fin  yellowish ;  pectorals  pale ;  the  other  fins  mostly  darker 
than  the  bodv. 


396    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

The  above  description  is  based  on  8  small  specimens,  22  to  50  mm. 
long,  which  we  doubtfully  refer  to  this  species. 

This  fish  has  been  reported  only  from  Mazatlan.  Representatives 
of  this  genus  appear  to  be  rare  in  the  Pacific.  Our  specimens  are 
from  Taboga  Island  and  Chame  Point.  The  specimens  (6)  from  the 
latter  locality  were  sent  by  Mr.  Robert  Tweedlie. 

295.  Seriola  rivoliana  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes. 

Seriola  rivoliana  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  IX,  1833, 

207  (Greek  Archipelago) ;  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

XVI,  1883,  444;  Jordan,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1886,  532;  Berg, 

Anal.  Mus.  Nac.  Buenos  Aires,  IV,  1895,  34;  Jordan  &  Evermann, 

Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  904. 
Seriola  boscii  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  IX,  1833,  208 

(South  Carolina). 
Seriola  bonariensis  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  IX,  1833, 

211    (Buenos  Aires). 

Seriola  coronata  Poey,  Memorias,  II,  1860,  232  (Cuba). 
Zonichthys  boscii  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  appendix,  1861,  36. 
Halatractus  boscii  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1862,  442. 
Halatractus  bonariensis  Poey,  Syn.  Pise.  Cub.,  1868,  373. 
Halatractus  coronatus  Poey,  Syn.  Pise.  Cub.,  1868,  373. 
Zonichthys  coronatus  Poey,  Enumeratio,  1875,  83. 

Head  3.3  to  3.4;  depth  2.8  to  2.9;  D.  VIM,  28  to  30;  A.  II-I, 
19  to  21. 

Body  deep,  rather  strongly  compressed;  the  back  considerably 
elevated;  profile  from  tip  of  snout  to  origin  of  second  dorsal  evenly 
convex;  ventral  outline  from  tip  of  mandible  to  origin  of  anal  nearly 
straight  and  horizontal ;  head  rather  deep,  compressed ;  snout  pointed, 
2.7  to  2.8  in  head ;  eye  4.35 ;  mouth  of  moderate  size,  slightly  oblique ; 
jaws  subequal;  maxillary  very  broad,  with  a  large  supplemental  bone, 
scarcely  reaching  middle  of  eye,  2.3  in  head;  teeth  in  broad  villiform 
bands,  present  on  both  jaws,  vomer,  palatines  and  tongue;  gill-rakers 
long,  about  two-thirds  length  of  eye,  17  or  18  on  lower  limb  of  first 
arch ;  scales  small,  present  on  cheeks,  the  rest  of  head  mostly  naked ; 
lateral  line  with  a  long,  low  arch,  unarmed,  but  in  large  examples 
forming  a  slight  keel  on  caudle  peduncle;  first  dorsal  with  7  rather 
slender  spines,  connected  by  membrane,  its  origin  behind  that  of 
pectorals;  second  dorsal  and  anal  similar  in  form,  the  latter,  however, 
much  the  shorter,  each  moderately  elevated  anteriorly,  more  or  less 
falcate;  caudal  widely  forked;  ventrals  long,  equal  to  length  of  eye 


APRIL  15,  1925.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    397 

and  postorbital  part  of  head ;  pectorals  much  shorter  than  ventrals,  5.9 
to  6.5  in  length  of  body. 

Color  plain  brownish  above,  paler  below;  the  dark  brown  or  black 
band,  extending  from  eye  to  origin  of  soft  dorsal,  which  the  fish  is 
said  to  possess,  is  entirely  wanting  in  the  old  alcoholic  specimens  at 
hand ;  fins  all  brownish ;  dorsal,  caudal  and  anal  with  a  darker  margin. 

This  species  was  not  obtained  by  us.  It  is  here  described  from  2 
specimens,  90  and  445  mm.  in  length.  The  smaller  specimen  is  from 
Watlings  Island  and  the  larger  one  from  Florida. 

Known  from  the  Mediterranean,  and  from  the  Atlantic  coast  of 
America,  from  South  Carolina  to  Uruguay. 

296.  Seriola  dumerili  (Risso). 

Caran.v  dumerili  Risso,  Ichthyol.  Nice,  1810,  175,  PI.  VI,  fig.  20  (Nice). 

Trachurus  aliciolus  Rafinesque,  Caratteri,  etc.,  1810,  42,  PI.  XI,  fig.  2 

(Sicily). 
Seriola  dumerili  Risso,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  Ill,  1827,  424;  Jordan,  Proc. 

U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1884,  122  &  123;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull,  U.  S. 

Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  903. 
Seriola  lalandi  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  IX,  1833,  208 

(Brazil)  ;  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1882,  271,  and 

Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XVI,  1883,  444  (part)  ;  Jordan,  Proc.  U.  S. 

Nat.  Mus.,  1884,  I22  &  123 ;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat. 

Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  903,  PI.  CXL,  fig.  382. 
Seriola  dumcrilii  Giinther,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus.,  II,  1860,  462. 
Seriola  lalandii  Giinther,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus.,  II,  1860,  463. 
Seriola  gigas  Poey,  Memorias,  II,  1860,  227  (Cuba). 
Seriola  proxhna  Poey,  Memorias,  II,  1860,  229  (Cuba). 
Zonichthys  gigas  Poey,  Syn.  Pise.  Cub.,  1868,  371. 

Head  3.3  to  3.5;  depth  2.95  to  4.1 ;  D.  VI  to  VIII-I,  30  to  36;  A. 
I  or  II-I,  19  or  20. 

Body  elongate,  compressed ;  the  back  more  or  less  elevated ;  profile 

from  snout  to  second  dorsal  gently  and  about  evenly  convex;  ventral 
outline  anteriorly  little  curved;  head  rather  deep,  compressed;  snout 
tapering,  moderately  pointed;  mouth  large,  slightly  oblique;  jaws 
subequal;  maxillary  very  broad,  with  a  wide  supplemental  bone, 
reaching  to  or  slightly  past  middle  of  eye,  2.1  to  2.25  in  head;  teeth 
in  broad  villiform  bands,  present  on  both  jaws,  vomer,  palatines  and 
tongue;  gill-rakers  well  developed,  about  two-thirds  the  length  of  eye, 
ii  to  14  on  the  lower  limb  of  first  arch;  scales  small;  present  on  cheek, 
the  rest  of  head  naked ;  lateral  line  with  a  very  long,  low  arch,  unarmed, 
forming  a  keel  on  caudal  peduncle  in  adult;  first  dorsal  with  6  to  8 


398    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

slender  spines,  connected  by  membrane,  its  origin  considerably  behind 
that  of  pectorals;  second  dorsal  and  anal  similar  in  form,  the  latter, 
however,  much  the  shorter,  each  slightly  elevated  anteriorly,  but  not 
falcate,  the  outer  margin  of  fins  not  concave  except  in  very  large 
individuals;  caudal  widely  forked,  the  lobes  of  about  equal  length; 
ventrals  long,  usually  about  as  long  as  eye  and  postorbital  part  of  head ; 
pectorals  notably  shorter  than  ventrals,  6.25  to  7.5  in  length  of  body. 

Color  of  the  old  alcoholic  specimens  at  hand  uniform  bluish  or 
brownish;  without  bars  or  bands. 

This  species  was  not  taken  by  us.  It  is  here  described  from  12 
specimens,  ranging  from  200  to  930  mm.  in  length.  They  are  from 
the  following  localities :  Italy,  Bahama  Islands,  Massachusetts,  New 
York,  South  Carolina  and  Florida. 

A  study  of  the  material  available  in  the  National  Museum  indicates 
that  this  genus  is  in  need  of  revision.  We  have  included  S.  lalandi  in 
our  synonomy,  believing  it  to  be  identical  with  the  present  species. 
There  is  considerable  difference  in  the  depth  of  the  body,  but  this 
appears  to  be  only  an  individual  variation.  It  seems  probable  that  the 
banded  forms  may  yet  prove  to  be  the  young  of  this  species. 

As  here  understood,  this  species  ranges  from  the  Mediterranean 
Sea  to  the  West  Indies,  and  on  the  Atlantic  coast  of  America  from 
Massachusetts  to  Brazil. 

297.  Seriola  dorsalis  (Gill). 

Halatractus  dorsalis  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1863,  84  (Cape 

San  Lucas). 
Seriola  lalandi  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1880,  456 

(not  of  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes),  and  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XVI, 

1883,  444  (part). 
Seriola  dorsalis  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1882,  359; 

Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  902,  PL 

CXXXIX,  fig.  380. 

Head  3.5  to  3.95;  depth  3.16  to  4.2;  D.  VI  or  VII-I,  31  to  35;  A. 
II-I,  20  or  21. 

Body  elongate,  more  or  less  compressed ;  the  back  little  elevated ; 
profile  from  snout  to  second  dorsal  gently  and  evenly  convex;  ventral 
outline  anteriorly  little  curved ;  head  rather  long  and  low ;  snout  pointed 
in  adult,  blunter  in  young,  2.7  to  3.35  in  head ;  eye  4  to  7.1 ;  mouth 
rather  small,  oblique;  jaws  subequal;  maxillary  broad,  with  a  wide 
supplemental  bone,  reaching  to  or  slightly  past  anterior  margin  of 
pupil,  2.5  to  2.65  in  head;  teeth  in  broad  villiform  bands,  present  on 
both  jaws,  vomer,  palatines  and  tongue;  gill-rakers  rather  strong, 


APRIL  15,  1925.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    399 

about  two-thirds  the  length  of  eye,  19  to  22  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch ; 
scales  small,  present  on  cheeks,  the  rest  of  head  naked;  lateral  line 
with  a  very  long,  low  arch,  forming  a  keel  on  caudal  peduncle  in  large 
examples ;  first  dorsal  with  6  or  7  slender  spines,  connected  by  mem- 
brane, its  origin  considerably  behind  that  of  pectorals;  second  dorsal 
and  anal  similar  in  form,  the  latter,  however,  much  the  shorter,  each 
more  or  less  elevated  anteriorly,  but  not  falcate,  the  outer  margin  of 
fins  not  concave,  except  in  adult;  caudal  widely  forked,  the  lobes  of 
about  equal  length ;  ventrals  long,  about  as  long  as  eye  and  postorbital 
part  of  head;  pectorals  notably  shorter  than  ventrals,  6.15  to  8.4  in 
length  of  body. 

Color  of  alcoholic  specimens  at  hand  plain  bluish  or  brownish; 
young  banded  in  life. 

A  single,  small  specimen,  105  mm.  long,  was  sent  by  Mr.  Robert 
Tweedlie.  The  species  is  here  described  from  this  specimen,  2  large 
specimens,  610  and  930  mm.  in  length,  from  San  Diego,  California, 
and  2  smaller  specimens,  each  250  mm.  long,  from  Albemarle  Island. 
This  species  is  readily  distinguished  from  S.  dumerili,  the  Atlantic 
form,  by  the  shorter  maxillary,  and  the  more  numerous  gill-rakers. 

Known  from  California  southward  to  the  Galapagos  Islands. 

115.  Genus  Naucrates  Rafinesque. 

Centronotus    Lacepede,    Hist.    Nat.    Poiss.,    Ill,    1802,    309    (type 

Centronotus   conductor   Lacepede;    not    Centronotus   of    Bloch    & 

Schneider) . 
Naucrates    Rafinesque,    Caratteri,    etc.,    1810,    43    (type    Naucrates 

fanfarus  Rafinesque  =  Gasterosteus  ductor  Linnaeus). 
Pompilus  Minding,  Lehrb.  Nat.  Fische,  1832,  108  (type  Gasterosteus 

ductor  Linnaeus). 
Nauclerus  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  IX,   1833,  247 

(type  Nauclerus  compressus  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes). 

Body  elongate,  little  compressed,  the  outlines  nowhere  trenchant; 
head  rather  low;  snout  moderately  pointed;  premaxillaries  protractile; 
maxillary  of  moderate  width,  with  a  rather  narrow  supplemental  bone ; 
teeth  in  villiform  bands  of  moderate  width,  present  on  both  jaws,  vomer, 
palatines  and  tongue ;  lateral  line  scarcely  arched,  unarmed,  but  forming 
a  prominent  dermal  keel  on  caudal  peduncle;  first  dorsal  with  3  or  4 
low,  stiff  spines,  separate  in  adult,  connected  by  membrane  only  in  very 
young ;  second  dorsal  long,  anteriorly  moderately  elevated ;  anal  similar 
to  second  dorsal,  but  much  shorter;  no  finlets;  ventrals  a  little  longer 
than  pectorals. 


400    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

298.  Naucrates  ductor  (Linnaeus). 

Gastcrostcus  ductor   Linnaeus,    Syst.    Nat.,   Ed.    X,    1758,   295    ("en 

pelago"). 
Gasterosteus  antccessor  Daldorf,  Skriv.  Nat.  Selskab.  Kjob.,  II,  1793, 

166. 

Scomber  kcelreuteri  Bloch  &  Schneider,  Syst.  Ichth.,  1801,  570. 
Centronotus  conductor  Lacepede,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  Ill  1802,  311. 
Naucrates  fanfarus  Rafinesque,  Caratteri,  etc.,  1810,  44. 
Naucrates  indicus  Lesson,  Voy.  Coquille,  Zool.,  II,  1830,  157  (India). 
Naucrates  noveboracensis  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss., 

VIII,  1831,  325  (New  York). 

Pompilus  ductor  Minding,  Lehrb.  Nat.  Fische,  1832,  108. 
Seriola  dussumieri  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  IX,  1833, 

217  (Gulf  of  Bengal). 

Seriola  sue  cine  ta  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  IX,  1833, 

218  (South  of  St.  Helena). 

Nauclerus  compressus  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  IX, 

1833,  249,  PI.  CCLXIII  (Molucca). 
Nauclerus  abbreviatus  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  IX, 

1833,  251  (Atlantic  Ocean;  misprinted  abreviatus). 
Nauclerus  brachycentrus  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  IX, 

1833,  253   (Indian  Ocean). 
Nauclerus  triacanthus  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  IX, 

1833,  253  (Atlantic  Ocean). 
Nauclerus  annularis  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.   Nat.   Poiss.,  IX, 

1833,  254  (South  of  St.  Helena). 
Nauclerus  leucurus  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  IX,  1833, 

255  (South  of  St.  Helena). 
Naucrates  cyanophrys  Swainson,  Nat.  Hist.  &  Class.  Fish.,  II,  1839, 

412  (Palermo). 
Naucrates  serratus  Swainson,  Nat.  Hist.  &  Class.  Fish.,  II,  1839,  413 

(Palermo). 

Thynnus  pompilus  Gronow,  Cat.  Fish,  1854,  123  (Palermo). 
Naucrates  ductor  Giinther,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus.,  II,  1860,  374;  Gill, 

Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1862,  440,  and  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

1882,  490;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII, 

1896,  900,  PI.  CXXXIX,  fig.  379;  Kendall  &  Radcliffe,  Memoir. 

Mus.  Comp.  Zool.,  XXXV,  1912,  96. 

Head  3.35  to  4.05;  depth  3.8  to  4.05;  D.  Ill  or  IV-I,  26  to  28;  A. 
II-I,  15  or  16. 


APRIL  15,  1925.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    401 

Body  elongate,  somewhat  fusiform,  little  compressed ;  anterior 
profile  gently  convex;  ventral  outline  little  curved;  head  little  com- 
pressed; snout  rather  bluntly  pointed,  3.45  to  4.2  in  head;  eye  3.9  to 
5.85;  mouth  moderate,  oblique;  jaws  nearly  equal,  the  lower  slightly 
included ;  maxillary  reaching  to  or  slightly  past  anterior  margin  of  eye, 
2.8  to  3.15  in  head;  teeth  in  rather  narrow  villiform  bands,  present  on 
both  jaws,  vomer,  palatines  and  tongue;  gill-rakers  well  developed, 
about  three-fourths  the  length  of  eye,  15  to  17  on  the  lower  limb  of 
first  arch;  scales  small,  present  on  cheeks,  the  rest  of  head  mostly 
naked ;  lateral  line  scarcely  arched,  forming  a  well  developed  keel  on 
caudal  peduncle;  first  dorsal  with  3  or  4  very  short  spines,  connected 
by  membrane  in  very  young  only;  second  dorsal  and  anal  similar  in 
form,  the  latter,  however,  much  the  shorter,  each  more  or  less  elevated 
anteriorly,  but  not  falcate;  caudal  broadly  forked,  the  lobes  of  equal 
length;  ventrals  nearly  as  long  as  eye  and  postorbital  part  of  head; 
pectorals  a  little  shorter  than  ventrals,  6.15  to  7.2  in  length  of  body. 

Color  of  adult  in  spirits  uniform  brownish  above,  pale  or  silvery 
below ;  young  with  6  distinct  cross-bands,  extended  on  vertical  fins ; 
caudal  with  a  black  blotch  at  base  and  a  black  bar  on  the  lobes ;  ventrals 
largely  black. 

This  species  was  not  taken  by  us.  It  is  here  described  from 
specimens  from  Italy,  Cuba  and  Woods  Hole,  ranging  in  length  from 
loo  to  345  mm.  We  have  also  examined  2  small  specimens,  35  and  65 
mm.  in  length,  from  the  Pacific  (Albatross  stations  4703,  Lat.  17°  18.6' 
S;  Long.  100°  52.3'  W.,  and  4704,  Lat.  16°  55.3'  S.;  Long.  100°  24.6' 
W.).  These  small  specimens  were  provisionally  identified  by  Kendall 
&  Radcliffe,  1912,  as  this  species.  We  are  able  to  verify  this  identifi- 
cation with  a  degree  of  certainty.  The  young  appear  to  be  deeper  and 
more  strongly  compressed  than  the  adult. 

A  pelagic  species,  known  from  all  warm  seas. 

Family  XLV.    Pomatomidae. 

THE  BLUEFISHES. 

Body  oblong,  compressed ;  head  large ;  mouth  large,  oblique ;  pre- 
maxillaries  protractile;  maxillary  not  slipping  under  preorbital,  with 
large  supplemental  bone;  lower  jaw  projecting;  jaws  each  with  a 
series  of  strong,  compressed,  unequal,  widely  set  teeth;  upper  jaw 
with  an  inner  series  of  small  depressed  teeth ;  villiform  teeth  on  vomer, 
palatines  and  tongue;  gill-membranes  free  from  isthmus,  not  united; 
gills  4,  a  slit  behind  the  fourth ;  branch iostegals  7 ;  gill-rakers  slender, 


402    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

rather  few;  opercle  ending  in  a  flat  point;  preopercular  margin 
serrate;  lateral  line  present,  unarmed;  scales  rather  small,  weakly 
ctenoid,  present  on  cheeks  and  opercles,  also  on  soft  dorsal  and  anal; 
dorsal  fins  2,  the  first  with  about  8  weak  spines,  connected  by  mem- 
brane, depressible  into  a  groove;  caudal  fin  forked;  anal  fin  similar 
to  soft  dorsal,  preceded  by  2  very  small  free  spines ;  ventrals  thoracic,  I, 
5 ;  pectorals  rather  short.  A  single  widely  distributed  species  is  known. 

116.  Genus  Pomatomus  Lacepede. 

Pomatomus  Lacepede,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  IV,  1803,  435  (type  Poma- 
tomus skib  Lacepede==P^rca  saltatrix  Linnaeus). 

Gonenion  Rafinesque,  Caratteri,  etc.,  1810,  53   (type  Gonenion  serra 
Rafinesque=Perca  lophar  Forsk&l). 

Lopharis   Rafinesque,    Caratteri,   etc.,    1810,    52    (type    Perca   lophar 
Forskal). 

Temnodon  Cuvier,  Regne  Animal,  Ed.  I,  II,  1817,  346  (type  Cheilo- 
dipterus  heptacanthus  Lacepede). 

Sparactodon  Rochebrune,  Bull.  Soc.  Philom.  Paris,  7  ser.,  IV,  1880, 
162  (type  Sparactodon  nalnal  Rochebrune). 
Characters  of  the  genus  are  included  in  the  family  description. 

299.  Pomatomus  saltatrix  (Linnaeus). 

Perca  saltatrix  Linnaeus,  Syst.  Nat.,  Ed.  X,  1758,  293  (Carolina). 
Gasterosteus  saltatrix  JLannaeus,  Syst.  Nat.,  Ed.  XII,  1766,  491. 
Pomatomus  skib  Lacepede,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  IV,  1803,  436   (Caro- 
lina). 
Temnodon  saltator  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,   Hist.   Nat.   Poiss.,    IX, 

1833,  225,  PI.  CCLX. 

Chromis  epicurorum  Gronow,  Cat.  Fish,  1854,  149  (Carolina). 
Pomatomus  saltator  Jordan  _&  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XVI, 

1883,  448. 
Pomatomus  saltatrix  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XVI, 

1883,  914;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII, 

1896,  946,  PI.  CXLVII,  fig.  400. 

Head  3.3;  depth  4;  D.  VIII-I,  25;  A.  II-I,  26;  scales  95. 

Body  elongate,  robust,  moderately  compressed;  head  deep;  snout 
pointed,  about  twice  the  length  of  eye;  eye  rather  small,  about  8  in 
head,  depending  much  upon  the  size  of  the  fish,  the  eye  being  pro- 
portionately much  larger  in  the  young  than  in  adult;  cheeks  much 
longer  than  opercles ;  mouth  large,  oblique ;  maxillary  reaching  beyond 
eye,  at  least  in  adult,  about  2.3  in  head;  scales  rather  small,  weakly 


APRIL  15,  1925.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    403 

ctenoid ;  dorsal  fins  separate,  the  first  dorsal  with  8  short  weak  spines ; 
the  second  dorsal  anteriorly  somewhat  elevated,  the  longest  rays 
about  twice  as  high  as  the  longest  spines,  its  outer  margin  broadly 
concave;  caudal  fin  forked;  anal  fin  preceded  by  2  weak,  separate 
spines,  the  soft  part  similar  to  that  of  the  dorsal ;  ventral  fins  small, 
inserted  under  base  of  pectorals ;  pectoral  fins  short,  about  2  in  head. 

Color  green  above  and  silvery  below;  a  blackish  blotch  at  base  of 
pectoral. 

This  widely  distributed  fish  was  not  taken  by  us.  It  reaches 
a  large  size,  one  meter  or  more  in  length,  and  is  an  excellent  food 
fish.  It  is  voracious  and  very  destructive  to  other  fish. 

Known  from  the  Atlantic  and  Indian  oceans;  on  the  American 
coast  from  Maine  to  Argentina. 

Family  XL VI.    Rachycentridae. 

THE  SERGEANT-FISHES. 

Body  elongate,  nearly  fusiform;  head  broad,  strongly  depressed, 
the  bones  above  appearing  through  the  skin;  mouth  wide,  nearly 
horizontal;  lower  jaw  projecting;  premaxillaries  not  protractile;  maxil- 
laries  reaching  about  to  anterior  margin  of  eye;  teeth  small,  pointed, 
in  bands  on  jaws,  vomer,  palatines  and  tongue ;  opercle  and  preopercle 
unarmed ;  branchiostegals  7 ;  gill-rakers  short  and  rather  strong ;  first 
dorsal  with  8  or  9  short,  free  spines,  depressible  in  a  groove;  second 
dorsal  and  anal  long  and  rather  low,  not  much  elevated  anteriorly, 
without  falcate  lobes ;  caudal  truncate  in  young,  forked  in  adult ;  ven- 
trals  thoracic,  I,  5 ;  pectorals  moderate,  placed  below  level  of  lower 
margin  of  eye;  vertebrae  12  -(-  13  =  25. 

117.  Genus  Rachycentron  Kaup. 
Rachycentron  Kaup,  Isis,  XIX,  1826,  89   (type  Rachycentron  typtts 

Kaup). 

Rachycentrum  Kaup,  Isis,  XX,  1827,  624,  amended  spelling. 
Elacate  Cuvier,  Regne  Animal,  Ed.  II,  II,  1829,  203   (type  Elacate 

motta  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes). 

Characters  of  genus  included  in  family  description. 

300.  Rachycentron  canadus  (Linnaeus). 

Gasterosteus  canadus  Linnaeus,  Syst.  Nat.,  Ed.  XII,  1766,  491  (Caro- 
lina). 

Scomber  niger  Bloch,  Naturg.  Ausl.  Fische,  VII,  1793,  57,  PI. 
CCCXXXVII  (Southern  Seas  between  Africa  and  America). 


404    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

Centronotus\  gardenil   Lacepede,    Hist.    Nat.    Poiss.,    Ill,    1802,    318 

(Carolina). 
Ccntronotus  spinosus   Mitchill,   Trans.   Lit.   &   Phil.    Soc.    N.   Y.,   I, 

1815,  490,  PI.  Ill,  fig.  9  (New  York). 
Elacate  pondiceriana  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  VIII, 

1831,  329  (Pondicherry). 
Elacate  motta  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  VIII,  1831, 

332  (Orixa). 
Elacate  malabarica  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  VIII, 

1831,332  (Malabar). 
Elacate  atlantica  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  VIII,  1831, 

334,  PI.  CCXXXIII  (Brazil)  ;  De  Kay,  Fauna  N.  Y.,  Fishes,  1842, 

113,  PL  XXV,  fig.  77- 
Elacate   bivittata   Cuvier   &    Valenciennes,   Hist.    Nat.    Poiss.,   VIII, 

1831,  338  (Molucca). 
Elacate  falcipinnis  Gosse,  Naturalists'  Sojourn  in  Jamaica,  1851,  208 

(Jamaica). 

Elacate  nigcr  Gimther,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus.,  II,  1860,  375. 
Elacate  Canada  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XVI,  1883, 

418. 
Rachycentron  canadus  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

XLVII,  1896,  948,  PI.  CXLVIII,  fig.  401. 

Head  4.05  to  5.3;  depth  5.55  to  8.1 ;  D.  VIII  or  IX-I,  28  to  33; 
A.  I,  23  to  26. 

Body  very  elongate,  somewhat  fusiform;  head  very  long,  much 
depressed;  snout  broad,  its  length  2.45  to  2.85  in  head;  eye  4.85  to 
6.35;  mouth  moderate;  the  lower  jaw  projecting;  maxillary  reaching 
anterior  margin  of  eye,  2.3  to  2.6  in  head;  teeth  small,  in  bands  on 
both  jaws,  vomer,  palatines  and  tongue;  gill-rakers  short,  7  to  9  on 
lower  limb  of  first  arch;  lateral  line  continuous,  more  or  less  wavy; 
scales  minute,  covering  entire  body,  also  present  on  cheeks;  first  dor- 
sal with  8  or  9  very  short,  stiff  spines ;  second  dorsal  long,  anteriorly 
only  slightly  elevated,  not  forming  a  lobe ;  anal  similar  to  second  dor- 
sal, but  shorter;  caudal  truncate  in  young,  slightly  forked  in  adult; 
ventrals  moderate,  as  long  as  postorbital  part  of  head ;  pectorals  large, 
not  much  shorter  than  head  in  adult,  i.i  to  1.3  in  length  of  head. 

Color  dark  brown  above,  a  paler  brown  on  sides  and  below;  a 
black  lateral  band,  wider  than  eye,  extending  from  snout  to  base  of 
caudal ;  ventral  surface  of  head  pale ;  fins  mostly  black. 


APRIL  15,  1925.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    405 

Only  one  specimen  of  this  species,  215  mm.  in  length,  was  se- 
cured. We  have  compared  it  with  specimens  from  New  Jersey,  Mary- 
land, Virginia  and  North  Carolina,  with  which  it  essentially  agrees. 
The  above  description  is  based  on  10  specimens  ranging  in  length 
from  95  to  440  mm. 

This  species  is  widely  distributed,  inhabiting  warm  seas.  It  oc- 
curs on  the  Atlantic  coast  from  Cape  Cod  southward  to  Brazil.  It  is 
as  yet  not  recorded  from  the  Pacific  coast  of  America.  Our  specimen 
is  from  Mindi  Cut,  Canal  Zone. 

Family  XLVII.    Coryphamidae. 
THE  DOLPHINS. 

Body  elongate,  compressed;  mouth  wide,  oblique;  the  lower  jaw 
projecting;  teeth  small,  present  on  jaws,  vomer,  palatines  and  tongue; 
opercle  and  preopercle  entire  (except  in  very  young)  ;  gill-membranes 
free  from  the  isthmus;  branchiostegals  7;  pseudobranchiae  wanting; 
lateral  line  present;  scales  very  small,  cycloid;  dorsal  fin  long  and 
low,  with  many  rays,  extending  from  nape  nearly  to  caudal  fin;  anal 
similar,  but  shorter;  caudal  fin  forked;  ventrals  well  developed,  tho- 
racic, I,  5 ;  pectorals  small. 

118.  Genus  Coryphaena  Linnaeus. 

Coryphana  Linnaeus,  Syst.  Nat.,  Ed.  X,  1758,  261   (type  Coryphana 
hippurus  Linnaeus). 

Caranxomorus  Lacepede,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  Ill,  1802,  82  (type  Scom- 
ber pelagicus  Linnaeus). 

Lepintphis  Rafinesque,  Caratteri,  etc.,  1810,  33   (type  Lepimphis  hip- 
puroides  Rafinesque). 

Lampugus  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  IX,  1833,  317 
(type  Scomber  pelagicus  Linnaeus). 

Ectenias  Jordan  &  Thompson,  Memoir.  Carneg.  Mus.,  VI,  1914,  241 
(type  Ectenias  brunneus  Jordan  &  Thompson). 
Characters  of  the  genus  are  included  in  the  family  description.    A 

large  number  of  species  have  been  named  which  have,  however,  been 

reduced  to  two  by  recent  authors.    The  multiplication  of  the  nominal 

species  appears  to  be  due  to  the  variation  in  color  and  the  variation 

in  structure  with  age.    A  single  species  is  represented  in  the  Panama 

collection. 


406    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

301.  Coryphsena  hippurus  Linnaeus. 

Coryphcena  hippurus  Linnaeus,  Syst.   Nat.,  Ed.  X,   1758,  261    (open 

seas) ;  Lutken,  (Dan.  Vid.  Selsk.  Skr.,  5  ser.,  XII)  Spolia  Atlantica, 

1880,  483,  PI.  Ill,  figs.  12  &  13;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S. 

Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  952,  PI.  CXLIX,  fig.  402. 
Scomber  pelagicus  Linnaeus,  Syst.  Nat.,  Ed.  X,  1758,  299. 
Coryphcena  immaculata  Agassiz,  in  Spix,  Pise.  Brasil.,  1831,  in,  PI. 

LVI  (Atlanric,  off  Brazil). 
Coryph&na  marcgravii  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  IX, 

1833,  301  (South  America). 
Coryphana  sueurii   Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,   Hist.   Nat.   Poiss.,    IX, 

1833,  302  (Philadelphia). 
Coryphcena  dorado  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  IX,  1833, 

303  (Brazil). 
Coryphana  dolfyn  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  IX,  1833, 

305  (Antilles). 
Coryph&na  virgata  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,   Hist.   Nat.   Poiss.,   IX, 

1833,  308  (Martinique). 

Head  3.75  to  3.85;  depth  5  to  6.3;  D.  55  to  60;  A.  26  to  29. 

Body  elongate,  tapering  posteriorly,  moderately  compressed;  head 
large,  rather  broad;  snout  moderately  acute,  3.95  to  4.35  in  head; 
eye  rather  large,  2.65  to  3  in  head ;  interorbital  broad,  flat,  wider  than 
eye;  mouth  large,  oblique,  terminal;  maxillary  reaching  vertical  from 
middle  of  eye,  2.15  to  2.45  in  head;  teeth  small,  in  bands  on  anterior 
part  of  each  jaw,  reduced  to  a  single  irregular  series  posteriorly;  vo- 
mer,  palatines-  and  tongue  with  bands  of  villiform  teeth;  preopercle 
with  a  few  rather  prominent  spines  at  angle  in  very  young  (25  mm.), 
disappearing  early  (wanting  in  specimens  50  mm.  long)  ;  gill-rakers 
slender,  8  to  10  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch;  scales  minute;  lateral 
line  anteriorly  with  a  short  abrupt  arch;  dorsal  fin  very  long,  its 
origin  over  or  a  little  in  advance  of  preopercular  margin;  caudal  fin 
forked,  the  lobes  equal;  anal  fin  similar  to  the  dorsal  but  its  base 
only  about  half  as  long;  ventral  fins  notably  longer  than  pectorals, 
inserted  under  base  of  pectorals;  pectorals  short,  1.8  to  2  in  head. 

Color  in  alcohol  very  dark  brown.  The  largest  specimens  in  the 
present  collections  are  of  nearly  uniform  color,  lighter  cross-bars 
being  only  faintly  visible  on  back,  represented  on  sides  by  pale  dots; 
these  markings  are  much  more  distinct  in  the  small  specimens.  Dor- 
sal fin  paler  brown  than  the  back,  with  a  series  of  dark  spots  at  base, 
these  extending  upward  on  fins ;  caudal  fin  dark  brown  at  base,  the  tips 


APRIL  15,  1925.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    407 

pale;  anal  and  ventrals  very  dark,  the  outer  rays  of  ventrals  and  the 
distal  part  of  anterior  rays  of  anal  pale;  pectorals  colorless. 

The  above  description  is  based  on  36  young  specimens,  ranging  in 
length  from  23  to  75  mm.,  which  were  sent  by  Mr.  Robert  Tweedlie. 

Known  from  the  Atlantic  and  Pacific  oceans.  The  species  previ- 
ously was  not  recorded  from  the  coasts  of  Panama.  Our  specimens 
are  from  Chame  Point  on  the  Pacific  Coast. 


Family  XLVIII.    Stromateidae. 

THE  HARVEST-FISHES. 

Body  compressed;  the  back  more  or  less  elevated;  anterior  pro- 
file blunt  and  rounded ;  premaxillaries  not  protractile ;  opercle  smooth ; 
preopercle  entire  or  serrate;  gill-membranes  either  separate  and  free, 
or  broadly  joined  to  the  isthmus;  pseudobranchiae  present;  gills  4,  a 
slit  behind  the  fourth;  teeth  wanting  on  vomer  and  palatines;  pharyn- 
geals  little  developed ;  oesophagus  armed  with  numerous  horny,  barbed, 
or  hooked  teeth;  lateral  line  well  developed;  scales  small  or  minute, 
cycloid,  covering  entire  body  and  cheeks ;  dorsal  fin  single,  long,  with 
the  spines  few  or  weak,  often  obsolete;  anal  fin  long,  similar  to  dor- 
sal, usually  with  3  spines ;  ventrals  thoracic,  I,  5  in  young,  reduced  or 
altogether  wanting  in  adult;  caudal  fin  well  forked;  air  bladder  usu- 
ally wanting;  vertebrae  30  to  36. 

KEY  TO  THE   GENERA. 

a.  Ventral  fins  present  in  the  adult  as  well  as  in  the  young;  dor- 
sal spines  7  to  n. 

b.  Body  elongate,  the  depth  more  than  3  in  the  length;  teeth  on 
vomer  and  palatines.  Nomeus,  p.  407. 

bb.  Body  short  and  deep,  the  depth  usually  less  than  2.5  in  the 
length ;  no  teeth  on  the  palatines.  Psenes,  p.  409. 

aa.  Ventral  fins  absent  in  adult;  dorsal  spines  3;  the  soft  dorsal 
and  anal  anteriorly  much  elevated.  Peprilus,  p.  410. 

119.  Genus  Nomeus  Cuvier. 

Nomeus  Cuvier,  Regne  Animal,  Ed.  I,  II,   1817,  315    (type  Gobius 

gronovii  Gmelin). 

Body  oblong,  moderately  compressed ;  head  and  body  covered  with 
small,  cycloid  scales ;  mouth  small ;  maxillaries  entirely  concealed  when 
the  mouth  is  closed ;  premaxillaries  feebly  protractile ;  teeth  on  vomer 


408    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

and  palatines ;  opercular  bones  thin,  entire ;  gill-membranes1  not  united, 
free  from  the  isthmus ;  gill-rakers  of  moderate  length ;  branchioste- 
gals  6;  lateral  line  running  high,  concurrent  with  the  dorsal  profile; 
dorsal  spines  10  or  n;  anal  spines  3,  the  fin  similar  to  soft  dorsal; 
caudal  fin  forked ;  ventrals  well  developed,  attached  to  the  abdomen 
by  membrane,  depressible  in  a  deep  furrow ;  pectorals  long ;  air-bladder 
present;  vertebrae  about  41. 

302.  Nomeus  gronovii  (Gmelin). 

Gobius  gronovii  Gmelin,   Syst.   Nat.,   I,   1789,   1205    (tropical  Amer- 
ica). 

Gobiomorus  gronovii  Lacepede,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  II,  1800,  584. 
Eleotris  mauritii  Bloch  &  Schneider,  Syst.  Ichth.,  1801,  66  (Brazil). 
Nomeus   maculosus   Bennett,    Proc.    Zool.    Soc.    London,    1831,    146 

(East  Indies). 

Nomeus   gronovii   Giinther,    Cat.    Fish.    Brit.    Mus.,    II,    1860,    387; 
Eigenmann,  Ann.  N.  Y.  Ac.  Sci.,  VII,  1894,  629  (Panama)  ;  Jor- 
dan &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  948. 
Nomeus  oxyurus  Poey,  Memorias,  II,  1860,  236  (Havana). 

Head  3.4;  depth  3.8;  D.  X  or  XI-I,  25  to  27;  A.  Ill,  25  to  27; 
scales  64  to  66. 

Body  compressed,  the  dorsal  and  ventral  outlines  about  evenly 
curved,  the  depth  greater  in  the  young  than  in  the  adult ;  snout  blunt, 
4.2  in  head;  eye  3.2;  mouth  rather  small,  terminal;  maxillary  reach- 
ing vertical  from  anterior  margin  of  eye,  1.2  in  head;  dorsal  fin  long, 
deeply  notched  to  nearly  divided,  the  longest  spines  scarcely  higher 
than  the  longest  soft  rays ;  caudal  fin  forked,  the  lobes  of  about  equal 
length ;  anal  fin  preceded  by  3  connected  spines,  the  soft  part  of  fin 
rather  low,  not  elevated  anteriorly,  the  margin  convex,  similar  to  the 
soft  dorsal  and  opposite  it;  ventral  fins  large,  fan-shaped,  inserted 
under  the  base  of  the  pectorals ;  pectoral  fins  rather  small,  shorter  than 
ventrals. 

Color  light  brown  above,  silvery  below ;  sides  with  large  brown 
spots ;  anal  with  3  or  4  brown  spots ;  ventrals  black  with  silvery  mar- 
gin ;  pectorals  brown  above,  white  below. 

This  fish  was  not  taken  by  us.  The  above  description  is  compiled 
from  published  accounts. 

Known  from  the  tropical  parts  of  the  Atlantic  and  Pacific  oceans. 
Once  recorded  from  the  Pacific  coast  of  Panama  by  Prof.  C.  H. 
Eigenmann.  It  has  not  been  seen  there  by  other  investigators. 


1 1 


Q-   jj 


APRIL  15,  1925.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    409 

120.  Genus  Psenes  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes. 
Pscncs  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  IX,  1833,  259  (type 

Psenes  cyanophrys  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes). 

Body  rather  short  and  deep,  strongly  compressed;  snout  short 
and  swollen;  mouth  small;  no  teeth  on  tongue  and  vomer  in  young; 
scales  of  moderate  size,  cycloid;  dorsal  with  9  to  n  spines;  second 
dorsal  and  anal  long  and  similar ;  anal  spines  3,  not  separate  from  the 
soft  part;  ventral  fins  inserted  under  the  base  of  pectorals. 

303.  Psenes  pacificus  sp.  nov.     (Plate  XL.) 

Type  No.  82196,  U.  S.  N.  M. ;  length  31  mm.;  Chame  Point, 
Panama. 

Head  2.35  to  2.7;  depth  1.6  to  1.85;  D.  IX-I,  26  to  28;  A.  Ill, 
26  or  27 ;  scales  about  55  to  58. 

Body  short,  compressed;  the  anterior  profile  rather  steep,  convex; 
head  deeper  than  long;  snout  blunt,  rather  broad,  5.25  to  5.85  in  head; 
eye  2.4  to  2.9;  interorbital  broader  than  eye,  convex;  mouth  rather 
small,  inferior,  a  little  oblique;  maxillary  reaching  slightly  beyond 
anterior  margin  of  pupil,  2.9  to  3.4  in  head ;  preopercular  margin  en- 
tire; gill-membranes  separate,  free  from  the  isthmus;  lateral  line 
concurrent  with  the  back;  head  with  many  mucus  pores;  scales  rather 
large,  adherent,  cycloid,  wanting  only  on  chin,  snout  and  interorbital 
region ;  dorsal  fin  long,  nearly  or  quite  separated,  the  third  and  fourth 
spines  highest,  about  as  long  as  the  longest  soft  rays,  its  origin  slightly 
in  advance  of  margin  of  opercle;  caudal  fin  forked,  the  lobes  of  equal 
length ;  anal  fin  with  3  spines,  all  connected  with  each  other  and  with 
the  soft  part  of  the  fin  by  membrane,  highest  anteriorly,  with  convex 
margin,  the  soft  part  similar  to  that  of  the  dorsal  and  opposite  it; 
ventral  fins  moderate,  inserted  under  base  of  pectorals,  scarcely  shorter 
than  pectorals;  pectoral  fins  rather  short,  1.35  to  1.6  in  head. 

Color  dark  brown ;  sides  with  slightly  darker  blotches,  forming  in- 
definite vertical  bars,  and  faint  indications  of  dark  lines  along  the  rows 
of  scales;  snout,  chin  and  chest  with  large  punctulations ;  dorsal  and 
anal  brownish,  punctulate;  caudal  fin  paler,  with  fewer  punctulations; 
ventral  fins  black ;  pectoral  fins  plain  translucent. 

The  foregoing  description  is-  based  on  3  small  specimens,  respec- 
tively 23,  31  and  33  mm.  in  length,  sent  by  Mr.  Robert  Tweedlie  from 
Chame  Point.  This  appears  to  be  the  first  time  that  representatives 
of  this  genus  have  been  taken  on  the  Pacific  coast  of  tropical  America. 
Our  specimens  appear  to  be  rather  close  to  P.  cyanophrys,  but  they 
have  9  spines  instead  of  10  in  the  first  dorsal ;  the  mouth  is  inferior. 


4io    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

the  lower  jaw  being  shorter  than  the  upper;  and  the  snout  is  very  blunt 
and  much  shorter  than  the  eye. 

121.  Genus  Peprilus  Cuvier. 
Rhombus  Lacepede,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  II,  1800,  321    (type  Ch&todon 

alepidotus  Linnseus;  name  preoccupied). 
Peprilus  Cuvier,  Regne  Animal,  Ed.  II,  II,  1829,  213  (type  Peprilus 

crenulatus  Cuvier). 
*  Palometa  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896, 

965,  and  1898,  2849  (tyPe  Palometa  palometa  Jordan  &  Bollman). 

Body  ovate  or  more  or  less  elongate,  strongly  compressed;  head 
short,  compressed;  snout  short  and  blunt;  mouth  small;  jaws  sub- 
equal;  premaxillaries  not  protractile;  opercle  and  preopercle  entire; 
teeth  small,  present  on  jaws  only,  in  a  single  series ;  gill-membranes 
separate,  free  from  the  isthmus;  gill-rakers  short  or  of  moderate 
length;  lateral  line  high,  following  the  curvature  of  the  back,  with- 
out scutes  or  keel  on  caudal  peduncle;  scales  small,  cycloid,  rather 
loosely  attached;  very  small  scales  covering  the  dorsal  and  anal,  and 
sometimes  the  caudal  fin;  pectorals  usually  without  scales;  dorsal 
and  anal  similar,  more  or  less  elevated  anteriorly,  each  preceded  by 
about  3  indistinct  spines  and  a  procumbent  spine  with  a  free  point 
both  anteriorly  and  posteriorly;  caudal  deeply  forked,  the  lobes  long 
and  slender;  ventrals  wanting,  represented  by  a  single  short  spine  at- 
tached to  the  pubic  bone ;  pectorals  long  and  narrow. 

KEY  TO  THE   SPECIES. 

a.  Body  deep,  ovate,  the  depth  usually  less  than  2  in  the  length ; 
snout  extremely  short,  notably  shorter  than  eye. 

b.  Anal  fin  long,  with  III,  37  to  45  rays. 

c.  Body  very  short  and  deep,  rather  robust,  its  depth  1.46  to  1.5 
in  its  length ;  head  extremely  short  and  deep,  the  anterior  pro- 
file steep  and  very  strongly  convex;  mouth  very  small,  the 
maxillary  reaching  anterior  margin  of   eye,  3.54  to   3.75   in 
head;  anal  with  III,  37  or  38  rays.  paru,  p.  411. 

cc.  Body  more  elongate,  and  morfe  strongly  compressed,  its  depth 
1.63  to  2.0  in  its  length;  head  longer,  the  anterior  profile  more 
gently  convex;  mouth  slightly  larger,  the  maxillary  reaching 
past  anterior  margin  of  eye,  3.1  to  3.46  in  head;  anal  with  III, 
41  to  45  rays.  palometa,  p.  412. 

*  According  to  Jordan  (Genera  of  Fishes,  Part  IV,  1920,  p.  474)  Palometa  should 
stand  as  a  distinct  genus. 


APRIL  15,  1925.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    411 

bb.     Anal  fin  short,  with  III,  32  rays.  medius,  p.  413. 

aa.     Body  much  more  elongate,  its  depth  2.5  in  its  length;  snout 

longer,  about  as  long  as  eye.  snyderi,  p.  413. 

304.  Peprilus  paru  (Linnaeus). 

Stromateus  paru  Linnaeus,  Syst.  Nat.,  Ed.  X,  1758,  248  (Jamaica)  ; 

Liitken,    (Dan.   Vid.   Selsk.   Skr.,   5   ser.,   XII)    Spolia  Atlantica, 

1880,  522,  PI.  Ill,  fig.  16  (in  part)  ;  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S. 

Nat.  Mus.,  XVI,  1883,  914. 
Stromateus  gardenii  Gunther,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus.,  II,  1860,  399  (in 

part). 
Stromateus  alepidotus  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XVI, 

1883,  45i  (in  part). 
Rhombus  paru  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII, 

1896,  965,  and  1898,  2849,  PI-  CL,  %.  404  (in  part). 
Peprilus  paru  Evermann  &  Marsh,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  XX,  Pt.  I, 

1900  (1902),  141  (in  part). 
Seserinus  paru  Fowler,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1916,  402  (Colon). 

Head  3.8  to  4.25;  depth  1.46  to  1.5;  D.  Ill,  41  to  43;  A.  Ill,  37 
or  38. 

Body  short  and  deep,  compressed,  more  robust  than  in  related 
species ;  the  back  elevated ;  anterior  profile  steep,  strongly  convex ;  head 
short  and  deep;  snout  extremely  short  and  blunt,  its  length  5.45  to  7.1 
in  head;  eye  2.85  to  3.0;  mouth  small;  jaws  equal;  maxillary  reaching 
anterior  margin  of  eye,  3.54  to  3.75  in  head ;  teeth  present  on  jaws  only, 
small,  in  a  single  close  set  series ;  gill-rakers  short  and  feeble,  14  or  15 
on  lower  limb  of  first  arch;  lateral  line  high,  following  the  curvature 
of  the  back;  scales  rather  large,  covering  entire  body  and  most  of  head; 
pectorals  wtih  few  scales,  other  fins  densely  scaled  to  their  tips ;  dorsal 
and  anal  fins  similar,  elevated  anteriorly,  falcate,  the  produced  lobe  of 
the  anal  longer  than  that  of  the  dorsal ;  pectorals  longer  than  head,  2.3 
to  3.25  in  length  of  body. 

Color  in  spirits  plain  bluish  above,  silvery  below. 

This  species  was  not  taken  by  us.  Here  described  from  two  speci- 
mens, one  210  mm.  long,  from  Jamaica,  and  the  other,  170  mm.  long, 
from  Rio  de  Janeiro. 

Known  from  Jamaica  to  Brazil.  Apparently  differing  from  P.  alep- 
idotus of  our  south  Atlantic  coast  in  the  more  robust  body,  larger  scales, 
in  the  much  more  numerous  scales  on  the  fins,  and  in  the  slightly 
shorter  anal  fin. 


412    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

305.  Peprilus  palometa  (Jordan  &  Bollman). 

Stromateus  palometa  Jordan  &  Bollman,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1889, 

156  (off  coast  of  Colombia,  Lat.  8°  16'  30"  N.,  Long.  79°  37'  45" 

W.;  Albatross  Sta.  2804). 

Rhombus  palometa  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII, 
1896,  966. 

Palometa  palometa  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII, 
1898,  2849. 

Peprilus  palometa  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  85 
(Panama  Bay). 

Head  2.94  to  3.85;  depth  1.63  to  2.0;  D.  Ill,  43  to  46;  A.  Ill,  41 

to  45. 

Body  deep,  ovate,  strongly  compressed;  the  back  elevated;  anterior 
profile  moderately  convex ;  head  short  and  deep ;  snout  extremely  short 
and  blunt,  4.7  to  5.4  in  head ;  eye  3.25  to  3.5 ;  mouth  rather  small, 
oblique;  jaws  equal;  maxillary  scarcely  reaching  anterior  margin  of 
pupil,  3.1  to  3.46  in  head;  teeth  small,  present  on  jaws  only,  in  a  single 
close  set  series;  gill-rakers  short  and  feeble,  14  to  17  on  lower  limb  of 
first  arch ;  lateral  line  rather  high,  following  the  curvature  of  the  back ; 
scales  small,  covering  entire  body  and  the  cheeks  and  preopercles ;  pec- 
torals and  caudal  with  few  scales  or  none ;  other  fins  covered  with  very 
small  scales;  dorsal  and  anal  similar,  elevated  anteriorly,  falcate,  the 
produced  lobe  of  the  anal  longer  than  that  of  the  dorsal ;  pectorals  very 
long  in  adult,  much  longer  than  head,  shorter  in  young,  2.2  to  3.5  in 
length  of  body. 

Color  bluish  above,  silvery,  with  more  or  less  dusky  below;  fins  all 
black  or  dusky;  with  numerous  black  points. 

We  have  8  specimens  of  this  species,  ranging  from  180  to  225  mm. 
in  length.  Besides  these  we  examined  several  small  specimens  taken 
at  the  Galapagos  Islands  by  the  "Albatross."  This  fish  is  close  to  P. 
alepidotus  of  the  southern  Atlantic  coast  of  the  United  States,  but 
differs  in  the  more  elongate  body,  the  less  convex  anterior  profile, 
somewhat  larger  mouth,  and  in  the  much  shorter  dorsal  and  anal  lobes. 

Known  from  the  Pacific  coast  of  Panama  south  to  off  the  coast  of 
Colombia,  Lat.  8°  16'  30"  N.,  Long.  79°  37'  45"  W.,  where  the  type  was 
taken.  Our  specimens  are  all  from  the  Panama  City  market. 


APRIL  15,  1925.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    413 

306.  Peprilus  medius  (Peters). 

Stromateus  medius  Peters,  Monatsb.  k.  Ak.  Wiss.  Berlin,  1869,  707 

(Mazatlan)  ;  Jordan,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1883,  284. 
Rhombus  medius  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII, 

1896,  967. 
Peprilus  medius  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  88. 

Head  3.5;  depth  1.9;  D.  Ill,  42;  A.  Ill,  32. 

Body  broad,  ovate;  fins  distinctly  punctulate. 

This  species  was  not  seen  by  us.  It  was  once  recorded  from  Pan- 
ama, this  record  being  based  upon  specimens  which  were  destroyed  by 
fire.  Gilbert  &  Starks  (1904,  p.  88)  have  the  following  to  offer  in 
regard  to  this  record:  "The  Panama  record  of  this  species  needs 
verification.  The  specimens  obtained  may  have  belonged  to  one  of 
the  forms  above  recorded  (P.  paJometa,  P.  snyderi),  both  of  which 
were  unknown.  Only  the  type  of  P.  medius  from  Mazatlan  is  now 
extant." 

307.  Peprilus  snyderi  Gilbert  &  Starks. 

Peprilus  snyderi  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904, 

87,  PI.  XII,  fig.  23  (Panama  Bay). 

Body  more  elongate  than  in  related  species,  compressed;  the  back 
not  greatly  elevated ;  dorsal  and  ventral  outlines  similarly  curved ;  the 
anterior  profile  moderately  convex;  head  large;  snout  blunt,  of  mod- 
erate length,  as  long  as  eye,  4.25  in  head ;  mouth  small ;  jaws  equal ; 
maxillary  reaching  slightly  past  anterior  margin  of  eye,  3.4  in  head; 
teeth  small,  present  on  jaws  only,  in  a  single  close  set  series;  gill-rakers 
slender,  of  moderate  length,  15  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch;  lateral  line 
running  rather  high,  following  the  curvature  of  the  back;  scales  of 
moderate  size,  covering  entire  body,  also  present  on  cheeks  and  upper 
part  of  opercles;  pectorals  without  scales;  other  fins  with  very  small 
crowded  scales,  extending  nearly  or  quite  to  the  tips  of  the  rays ; 
dorsal  and  anal  similar,  moderately  elevated  anteriorly,  the  lobe  of  the 
anal  slightly  longer  than  that  of  the  dorsal ;  pectorals  longer  than  head, 
2.95  in  length  of  body. 

Color  bluish  brown  above,  silvery  below;  fins  all  brown  or  dusky; 
pectoral  with  numerous  dark  points,  its  base  brownish. 

This  species  was  not  taken  by  us.  It  is  here  described  from  a  single 
specimen,  a  paratype,  249  mm.  in  length. 

Known  only  from  the  Pacific  coast  of  Panama,  where  it  was  taken 
by  Dr.  Gilbert  and  his  party  in  1896. 


414    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

Family  XLIX.    Apogonidae.* 

THE  CARDINAL-FISHES. 

Body  oblong  or  elongate;  mouth  large,  oblique;  preopercle  with 
two  ridges,  its  edge  entire  or  serrate;  opercle  with  a  spine  behind,  usu- 
ally little  developed;  branchiostegals  6  or  7;  teeth  villiform,  present  on 
jaws,  vomer  and  sometimes  on  palatines;  canines  occasionally  present; 
lower  pharyngeals  separate,  with  sharp  teeth;  scales  rather  large,  stri- 
ated and  ctenoid,  occasionally  cycloid;  lateral  line  complete;  dorsal  fins 
well  separated,  the  first  with  6  to  9  rather  strong  spines;  no  dorsal 
sheath  or  furrow;  anal  fin  short,  usually  with  2  spines,  occasionally 
with  3  or  4;  ventral  fins  thoracic,  with  I,  5  rays,  without  an  axillary 
scale. 

122.  Genus  Apogon  Lacepede. 

Amia  Gronow,  Zoophyl.,  1763,  80  (type  Apogon  moluccensis  Cuvier  & 

Valenciennes  )    ( non-binomial ) . 
Apogon  Lacepede,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  Ill,   1802,  411,   (type  Apogon 

ruber  Lacepede). 
Ostorhinchus  Lacepede,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  IV,  1803,  23,  (type  Ostor- 

hinchus  fleurieu  Lacepede). 
Dipterodon  Lacepede,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  IV,   1803,   165    (type  Dip- 

terodon  hex  acanthus  Lacepede). 
Monoprion  Poey,  Memorias,  II,  1860,  123,   (type  Monoprion  macu- 

latus  Poey). 

Body  oblong,  compressed;  head  large;  mouth  wide,  oblique;  max- 
illary extending  below  middle  of  large  eye;  preopercle  with  a  double 
ridge,  its  edge  somewhat  serrate,  at  least  in  young ;  opercle  with  a  single 
spine  behind;  villiform  teeth  present  on  jaws,  vomer  and  palatines;  no 
canines;  gill-rakers  long;  scales  large,  ctenoid;  first  dorsal  with  6  or  7 
strong  spines;  second  dorsal  remote,  short;  anal  with  2  spines  and  8 
or  9  soft  rays,  the  soft  portion  similar  to  that  of  the  dorsal ;  pectorals 
and  ventrals  moderate. 

KEY   TO   THE   SPECIES. 

a.  Base  of  second  dorsal  with  a  saddle-like  black  blotch  or  with  a 
band ;  another  blotch  on  caudal  peduncle  above ;  no  caudal  spot. 

b.  Base  of  second  dorsal  with  a  saddle-like  black  blotch  extending 
downward  to  lateral  line ;  body  short  and  deep,  the  depth  2.6  to 
2.9  in  length;  pectoral  fins  moderate,  reaching  to  or  slightly 
past  origin  of  anal,  1.4  to  1.6  in  head.  maculatus,  p.  415. 

*This   family  is   given  under  the  name   Cheilodipteridce   in  the  ''Key  to  the 
Families"  in  Part  I,  p.  23,'  of  the  present  work. 


APRIL  15,  1925.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    415 

bb.  Base  of  second  dorsal  with  a  narrow  black  band  uniting  its  last 
rays  with  those  of  the  anal ;  body  more  elongate,  the  depth  3.0 
in  length;  pectoral  fins  long,  reaching  past  anterior  third  of 
base  of  anal,  1.6  in  head.  binotatus,  p.  416. 

aa.  Base  of  second  dorsal  without  a  black  blotch  or  band ;  no  saddle- 
like  blotch  on  caudal  peduncle  above ;  base  of  caudal  with  a  more 
or  less  distinct  blackish  spot  or  vertical  band. 

c.  Color  pale  in  spirits,  bright  red  in  life;  head  and  scales  mostly 
with  dusky  punctulations ;  base  of  caudal  with  a  roundish  black 
spot;  snout  of  moderate  length,  4.2  to  5.3  in  head;  second  dorsal 
high,  nearly  as  long  as  head  without  snout ;  scales  23  to  25. 

dovii,  p.  417. 

cc.  Color  brownish;  head  with  black  specks;  scales  mostly  with 
clusters  of  brownish  punctulations;  base  of  caudal  with  an  ob- 
long vertical  bar  or  band;  snout  very  short  and  blunt,  5.0  to 
5.85  in  head ;  second  dorsal  moderate,  its  longest  rays  equal  to 
postorbital  part  of  head  and  half  the  eye;  scales  21  to  23. 

pigmentarius,  p.  418. 

308.  Apogon  maculatus  (Poey). 

Monoprion  maculatus  Poey,  Memorias,  II,  1860,  123  (Cuba). 
Amia  maculata  Poey,  Syn.  Pise.  Cub.,  1868,  304. 
Apogon  maculatus  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1882,  279; 
Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  1109. 

Head  2.5  to  2.85;  depth  2.6  to  2.9;  D.  VI-I,  9;  A.  II,  8;  scales 
23  to  25. 

Body  rather  short  and  deep,  compressed ;  dorsal  and  ventral  pro- 
files about  evenly  rounded;  caudal  peduncle  long,  much  compressed, 
its  depth  2.3  to  2.75  in  head ;  head  large,  compressed ;  interorbital  space 
narrower  than  eye,  4.0  to  4.9  in  length  of  head;  snout  rather  blunt, 
shorter  than  eye,  4  to  5.8  in  head;  eye  2.7  to  3.26;  mouth  large,  slightly 
subinferior;  the  maxillary  not  quite  reaching  posterior  margin  of  eye, 
1.7  to  2.0  in  head;  opercle  with  a  stiff  spine;  preopercle  rather  strongly 
serrate;  gill-rakers  shorter  than  pupil,  13  or  14,  including  rudiments, 
on  lower  limb  of  first  arch;  pseudobranchiae  well  developed;  scales 
large,  ctenoid ;  lateral  line  complete,  following  the  outline  of  the  back ; 
first  dorsal  rather  low,  the  longest  spine  equal  to  postorbital  part  of 
head;  second  dorsal  higher,  the  longest  rays  equal  to  postorbital  part 
of  head  and  half  the  eye;  caudal  fin  emarginate,  the  upper  lobe  the 
longer,  somewhat  pointed,  the  lower  lobe  round;  anal  fin  similar  to 


4i6    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

second  dorsal,  but  not  quite  as  high,  its  longest  rays  slightly  shorter 
than  snout  and  eye ;  ventral  fins  inserted  below  base  of  pectorals,  reach- 
ing slightly  past  vent;  pectoral  fins  rather  long,  reaching  to  or  slightly 
past  origin  of  anal,  1.4  to  1.6  in  head. 

Color  in  life  bright  red;  opercle  with  a  black  blotch;  a  saddle-like 
blotch  under  base  of  the  posterior  rays  of  the  dorsal,  which  extends 
downward  to  lateral  line;  a  second  saddle  on  caudal  peduncle;  fins  all 
bright  red  in  life,  plain  in  spirits. 

We  have  7  specimens  of  this  species,  ranging  in  length  from  45  to 
90  mm. 

Known  from  Florida  to  Brazil.  Our  specimens  are  from  Toro 
Point  and  Colon ;  all  were  taken  on  coral  reefs. 

309.  Apogon  binotatus  (Poey). 

Amia  binotata  Poey,  Repertorio,  II,  1867,  234  (Cuba). 

Apogon  binotatus  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII, 

1896,  1109. 

Head  2.58;  depth  3.0;  D.  VI-I,  9;  A.  II,  8;  scales  23. 

Body  much  compressed,  but  rather  more  elongate  than  in  related 
species;  dorsal  profile  anteriorly  nearly  straight;  ventral  profile  with  a 
more  or  less  distinct  angle  at  articulation  of  mandible ;  caudal  peduncle 
very  long,  compressed,  its  depth  2.75  in  head ;  head  large,  compressed ; 
interorbital  space  narrower  than  the  large  eye,  5.0  in  length  of  head; 
snout  short  and  blunt,  4.6  in  head ;  eye  2.9 ;  mouth  large,  terminal ;  the 
maxillary  reaching  slightly  past  posterior  margin  of  eye,  1.85  in  head; 
opercle  with  a  stiff  spine;  preopercle  distinctly  serrate;  gill-rakers 
slightly  shorter  than  pupil,  15,  including  rudiments,  on  lower  limb  of 
first  arch;  pseudobranchise  well  developed;  scales  large,  ctenoid;  lateral 
line  complete,  closely  following  the  outline  of  the  back;  first  dorsal 
rather  low,  the  longest  spine  equal  to  postorbital  part  of  head ;  second 
dorsal  high,  its  longest  rays  equal  to  postorbital  part  of  head  and  two- 
thirds  of  eye ;  caudal  fin  emarginate,  both  lobes  round,  the  upper  much 
the  larger ;  anal  similar  to  the  dorsal,  but  lower,  the  longest  rays  equal 
to  length  of  snout  and  eye ;  ventral  fins  inserted  in  advance  of  pectorals, 
not  quite  reaching  origin  of  anal ;  pectorals  long,  reaching  past  anterior 
third  of  base  of  anal,  1.6  in  head. 

Color  red  in  life,  mostly  pale  in  spirits ;  head  and  scales  above  and 
on  sides  with  dusky  punctulations ;  a  narrow  black  band  uniting  the  last 
rays  of  the  dorsal  with  those  of  the  anal,  a  wider  one  on  caudal 
peduncle;  fins  plain. 


APRIL  15,  1925.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    417 

This  species  is  represented  by  a  single  specimen,  93  mm.  long,  in 
the  present  collection,  which  forms  the  basis  for  the  above  description. 
It  differs  from  A,  maculatus  in  the  more  slender  body,  larger  eye,  more 
anterior  position  of  the  ventrals,  longer  pectoral  fins  and  in  color. 

Heretofore  known  only  from  Cuba.  Our  specimen  is  from  Porto 
Bello. 

310.  Apogon  dovii  Giinther. 

Apogon  dovii  Giinther,  Proc.  Zool.  Soc.  London,  1861,  371  (Panama) ; 

Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  1108; 

Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  88  (Panama). 

Amia  dovii  Kendall  &  Radcliffe,  Memoir.  Mus.  Comp.  Zool.,  XXXV, 
1912,  103. 

Head  2.5  to  2.7;  depth  2.7  to  3.2;  D.  VI-I,  9;  A.  II,  8;  scales 
23  to  25. 

Body  rather  short,  compressed;  ventral  profile  anteriorly  more 
convex  than  the  dorsal;  caudal  peduncle  long,  strongly  compressed, 
its  depth  2.2  to  2.7  in  head;  head  large,  compressed;  interorbital 
space  narrow,  4.2  to  4.9  in  length  of  head;  snout  blunt,  shorter  than 
the  large  eye,  4.2  to  5.3  in  head;  eye  2.45  to  3;  mouth  large,  subin- 
ferior;  the  maxillary  reaching  posterior  margin  of  eye,  1.75  to  1.9  in 
head ;  opercle  with  a  stiff  spine ;  preopercle  weakly  serrate ;  gill-rakers 
not  much  longer  than  pupil,  13  or  14,  including  rudiments,  on  lower 
limb  of  first  arch;  pseudobranchiae  well  developed;  scales  large, 
ctenoid;  lateral  line  complete,  closely  following  the  outline  of  the 
back;  first  dorsal  rather  low,  the  longest  spine  equal  to  postorbital 
part  of  head;  second  dorsal  rather  high,  the  longest  rays  only  slightly 
shorter  than  head  without  snout;  caudal  fin  emarginate,  the  lobes 
round,  the  upper  much  the  larger ;  anal  fin  small ;  ventral  fins  inserted 
slightly  in  advance  of  the  pectorals,  usually  reaching  origin  of  anal; 
pectorals  long,  reaching  past  origin  of  anal,  1.2  to  1.57  in  head. 

Color  of  body  and  fins  bright  red  in  life;  base  of  caudal  with  a 
black  blotch,  somewhat  larger  than  the  pupil;  this  spot  very  distinct 
in  young,  occasionally  becoming  faint  in  large  examples ;  head  densely 
punctulate  with  brown;  scales  mostly  with  dusky  punctulations ;  tips 
of  second  dorsal,  caudal  and  anal  dusky. 

This  species  is  represented  by  145  specimens,  ranging  in  length 
from  35  to  95  mm.  We  have  compared  our  specimens  with  a  large 
series  of  A.  retrosella  from  San  Benito  Id.  The  latter  seems  to  differ 


418    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

mainly  in  color,  and  the  average  number  of  scales  in  the  lateral  series 
apparently  runs  a  little  lower. 

Known  from  Mazatlan  to  Panama.  Our  material  is  from  Taboga 
Island,  Balboa  and  Panama.  The  specimens  are  mostly  from  rocky 
tide  pools. 

311.  Apogon  pigmentarius  (Poey). 

Monoprion  pigmentarius  Poey,  Memorias,  II,  1860,  123  (Cuba). 

Apogon  pigmentarius  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.   S.   Nat.  Mus., 
XLVII,  1896,  1109,  PI.  CLXXVIII,  fig.  472. 

Head  2.55  to  2.7;  depth  2.55  to  2.85;  D.  VI-I,  9;  A.  II,  8;  scales 
21  to  23. 

Body  short  and  deep,  much  compressed;  the  ventral  outline  anter- 
iorly notably  more  convex  than  the  dorsal;  caudal  peduncle  long,  its 
depth  2.06  to  2.46  in  head ;  head  large,  interorbital  space  narrower  than 
eye,  3.75  to  4.0  in  length  of  head;  snout  very  short  and  blunt,  only 
about  half  as  long  as  eye,  5  to  5.85  in  head;  eye  2.5  to  3.2;  mouth 
large,  inferior;  the  maxillary  reaching  posterior  margin  of  eye,  1.76 
to  1.88  in  head;  opercle  with  a  stiff  spine;  preopercle  serrate;  gill- 
rakers  shorter  than  pupil,  16,  including  rudiments,  on  lower  limb  of 
first  arch ;  pseudobranchias  present ;  scales  large,  ctenoid ;  lateral  line 
complete,  closely  following  the  outline  of  the  back;  first  dorsal  rather 
low,  the  longest  spine  slightly  shorter  than  postorbital  part  of  head; 
second  dorsal  much  higher,  the  longest  rays  equal  to  postorbital  part 
of  head  and  half  the  eye ;  caudal  fin  forked,  the  upper  lobe  the  larger 
and  longer;  anal  similar  to  the  second  dorsal,  only  slightly  lower,  the 
longest  rays  notably  longer  than  snout  and  eye;  ventral  fins  inserted 
slightly  in  advance  of  pectorals,  reaching  origin  of  anal ;  pectorals  long, 
reaching  middle  of  base  of  anal,  1.35  to  1.6  in  head. 

Color  in  spirits  brownish;  head  with  black  specks;  scales  with 
dusky  punctulations,  which  on  some  individuals  form  dusky  blotches; 
an  oblong,  blackish  spot  on  band  at  base  of  caudal;  base  of  dorsal 
and  anal  sometimes  black ;  spinous  dorsal  and  margin  of  caudal  dusky, 
fins  otherwise  plain. 

This  species  is  represented  by  3  specimens  in  the  present  collec- 
tion, ranging  from  50  to  60  mm.  in  length. 

Heretofore  recorded  only  from  Cuba.  Our  specimens  are  from 
Colon  Reef  and  Porto  Bello. 


APRIL  15,  1925.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.     419 

Family  L.    Centropomidae. 

THE  ROBALOS. 

Body  moderately  elongate,  compressed;  head  long,  somewhat  de- 
pressed above,  mouth  large,  protractile;  lower  jaw  projecting;  teeth 
in  villiform  bands  on  jaws,  on  vomer  and  palatines;  scales  small  or 
of  moderate  size,  ctenoid;  lateral  line  little  arched,  continued  to  end 
of  caudal;  preopercle  and  supraclavicle  serrate;  preopercle  with  a 
ridge  that  bears  i  or  2  spines ;  opercle  without  spines,  produced  into  a 
flap;  two  separate  dorsals,  the  first  usually  with  8  spines,  rarely 
with  only  7 ;  the  first  spine  very  small,  the  second  short,  the  third  and 
fourth  the  longest;  the  second  dorsal  with  I  spine  and  8  to  n 
branched  rays ;  anal  short,  with  III,  6  or  7  rays ;  caudal  forked ;  pec- 
torals symmetrical ;  ventrals  inserted  behind  base  of  pectorals,  with  I, 
5  rays;  air  bladder  with  or  without  appendages. 

123.  Genus  Centropomus  Lacepede. 

Centropomus  Lacepede,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  IV,  1803,  248  (type  Scicena 
undecimalis  Bloch) . 
The  characters  of  the  genus  are  included  in  the  family  description. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES. 

a.  Scales  small,  60  to  90  in  a  longitudinal  series,  above  lateral  line, 
from  supraclavicle  serrae  to  base  of  caudal ;  pectorals  short,  not 
nearly  reaching  tips  of  ventrals,  1.55  to  2.2  in  head. 

b.  Anal  with  7  branched  rays;  the  second  and  third  anal  spines 
very  long  and  slender,  of  about  equal  length;  membrane  be- 
tween second  and  third  anal  spines,  and  the  tips  of  longest  rays 
black;  gill-rakers  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch  13  to  15,  without 
rudiments.  pectinatus,  p.  421. 

bb.  Anal  with  6  branched  rays;  the  second  anal  spine  very  strong 
and  constantly  longer  than  the  third  spine,  although  frequently 
not  reaching  the  tip  of  the  third ;  membrane  between  the  second 
and  third  anal  spines  and  tips  of  longest  rays  often  dusky,  but 
not  black;  gill-rakers  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch  7  to  n,  not 
counting  rudiments. 

c.  Preorbital  strongly  serrate  at  all  ages;  eye  large,  about  4.2  in 
head  in  specimens  6  inches  in  length ;  scales  small,  77  to  90  in  a 
longitudinal  series,  above  lateral  line,  from  supraclavicle  serrae 
to  base  of  caudal;  gill-rakers  10  or  n  on  lower  limb  of  first 
arch,  not  including  rudiments.  parallelus,  p.  423. 


420    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

cc.  Preorbital  entire  in  adult,  weakly  serrate  in  young ;  eye  smaller, 
about  5  in  head  in  specimens  6  inches  in  length;  scales  larger, 
60  to  77  in  longitudinal  series,  above  lateral  line,  from  supra- 
clavicle  serrae  to  base  of  caudal;  gill-rakers  7  to  10  on  lower 
limb  of  first  arch,  without  rudiments. 

d.  Branched  rays  of  second  dorsal  almost  constantly   10;  scales 
in  longitudinal  series,  above  lateral  line,  67  to  77 ;  gill-rakers  on 
lower  limb  of  first  arch,  exclusive  of  rudiments,  7  or  8. 

undecimalis,  p.  425. 

dd.  Branched  rays  in  second  dorsal  8  to  10,  usually  9;  scales  in 
longitudinal  series,  above  lateral  line,  60  to  73;  gill-rakers  on 
lower  limb  of  first  arch,  exclusive  of  rudiments,  8  to  10. 

nigrescens,  p.  426. 

aa.  Scales  large,  47  to  56  in  longitudinal  series,  above  lateral  line, 
from  supraclavicle  serrae  to  base  of  caudal;  pectorals  longer, 
reaching  to  or  nearly  to  tips  of  ventrals,  1.27  to  1.55  in  head. 

e.  Second  anal  spine  rather  small,  usually  not  reaching  base  of 
caudal  when  the  fin  is  deflexed,  extending  past  the  tip  of  the 
third  spine  a  distance  usually  less  than  half  the  diameter  of  eye, 
1.35  to  1.75  in  head ;  scales  6  or  7  between  lateral  line  and  middle 
of  second  dorsal,  47  to  56  in  longitudinal  series  above  lateral 
line;  gill-rakers  9  to  12  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch,  exclusive  of 
rudiments ;  lateral  line  not  in  a  black  streak ;  membrane  between 
second  and  third  anal  spines  never  black.        unionensis,  p.  428. 

ee.  Second  anal  spine  much  enlarged,  reaching  to  or  past  the  base 
of  caudal  when  the  fin  is  deflexed,  extending  past  the  tip  of  the 
third  spine  a  distance  about  equal  to  or  greater  than  diameter  of 
eye,  I  to  1.55  in  head. 

f.  Gill-rakers  numerous,   13  to   17  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch, 
exclusive  of  rudiments;  lateral  line  not  in  a  black  streak;  mem- 
brane between  the  second  and  third  anal  spines  not  black ;  scales 
in  vertical  series  between  lateral  line  and  middle  of  second 
dorsal,  5  or  5^2.  robalito,  p.  430. 

ff.  Gill-rakers  less  numerous,  9  to  13  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch, 
exclusive  of  rudiments ;  lateral  line  in  a  black  streak  (which 
often  fades  in  preserved  specimens)  ;  membrane  between  second 
and  third  anal  spines  black. 

g.  Body  rather  deep,  robust;  the  back  elevated;  anterior  profile 
notably  convex;  depth  3  to  3.4;  mouth  large;  maxillary  2.3  to 
2.5  in  head;  scales  in  front  of  second  dorsal  small  and  much 


APRIL  15,  1925.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    421 

crowded,  19  to  25  in  number ;  6  to  7^2  scales  in  a  vertical  series 
between  lateral  line  and  middle  of  second  dorsal. 

armatus,  p.  431. 

gg.  Body  more  elongate;  the  back  little  elevated;  anterior  profile 
only  slightly  convex ;  depth  3.4  to  4.1 ;  mouth  smaller ;  maxillary 
2.5  to  2.8  in  head ;  scales  in  front  of  second  dorsal  larger  and 
less  crowded,  16  to  18  in  number;  5  to  6%  scales  in  a  vertical 
series  between  lateral  line  and  middle  of  second  dorsal. 

enstferus,  p.  433. 

312.  Centropomus  pectinatus  Poey. 
Ccntropomus  undecimalis  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat  Poiss.,  II, 

1828,  102  (part)  ;  Gunther,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus.,  I,  1859,  79. 
Centropomus  pectinatus  Poey,  Memorias,  II,  1860,  121    (Havana  & 
Cienfuegos)  ;  Boulenger,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus.,  Ed.  II,  I,  1895,  368; 
Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  1122; 
Regan,  Biol.  Cent.  Amer.,  Pise.,  1907,  46. 

Centropomus  pedimacula  Poey,  Memorias,  II,  1860,  122;  Vaillant  & 
Bocourt,  Miss.  Sci.  Mex.,  etc.,  1874,  29 ;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull. 
U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  1119;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir. 
Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  90;  Jordan  &  Dickerson,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat. 
Mus.,  1908,  14. 
Ccntropomus  medius  Gunther,  Proc.  Zool.  Soc.  London,  1864,  144 

(Chiapam,  Guatemala). 
Centropomus  cuvieri  Bocourt,  Ann.   Sci.   Nat.,  5  ser.,  IX,   1868,  91 

(Haiti). 

Centropomus  grandoculatus  Jenkins  &  Evermann,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat. 
Mus.,  1888,  139  (Guaymas)  ;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat. 
Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  1 120. 

Head  2.8  to  3.2;  depth  3.3  to  4.1 ;  D.  VIII-I,  10;  A.  Ill,  7;  scales 
5  to  8  between  lateral  line  and  middle  of  second  dorsal,  62  to  67  in 
a  longitudinal  series,  above  the  lateral  line,  from  the  supraclavicle  serrse 
to  base  of  caudal. 

Body  moderately  elongate,  compressed ;  the  back  elevated ;  anterior 
profile  notably  concave;  head  long,  depressed  above;  eyes  large,  placed 
high,  3.2  to  4.7  in  head;  snout  long,  ending  in  the  prominently  pro- 
truding lower  jaw,  3.1  to  3.7;  mouth  rather  large,  somewhat  oblique; 
maxillary  reaching  to  or  slightly  past  anterior  margin  of  pupil,  2.2 
to  2.5  in  head;  preorbital,  preopercle  and  supraclavicle  strongly  ser- 
rate; preopercular  margin  with  3  or  4  enlarged  serrae  at  angle;  pre- 
opercular  ridge  with  2  spines  at  angle;  opercle  without  spines,  pro- 
duced into  a  flap,  that  does  not  reach  vertical  from  first  dorsal  except  in 


422    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

very  young;  gill-rakers  rather  long  and  slender,  the  longest  equal  to 
about  half  diameter  of  eye,  13  to  15  movable  ones  on  lower  limb  of 
anterior  arch;  pseudobranchiae  well  developed;  stomach  with  4  caeca; 
air  bladder  without  appendages,  somewhat  fusiform,  but  tapering  more 
posteriorly  than  anteriorly;  scales  ctenoid,  rather  small  and  crowded  in 
front  of  spinous  dorsal,  large  elsewhere;  all  the  fins  except  spinous 
dorsal  more  or  less  scaly  at  base;  spinous  dorsal  with  8  strong  spines, 
the  first  2  short,  the  third  the  strongest,  also  the  longest,  but  not  reach- 
ing past  the  tip  of  the  fourth,  1.5  to  1.85  in  head;  outer  posterior  mar- 
gin of  fin  usually  straight;  second  dorsal  with  one  spine  and  10  branched 
rays,  the  anterior  rays  long,  but  decreasing  rapidly  in  length  to  the  fifth 
ray,  the  posterior  5  rays  of  about  equal  length,  the  outer  posterior 
margin  of  fin  deeply  concave;  caudal  deeply  forked,  both  lobes  acute; 
anal  fin  with  3  spines  and  7  branched  rays;  the  first  spine  short,  the 
second  and  third  very  long;  the  second  spine  much  stronger  than  the 
third,  but  not  longer  and  not  reaching  past  the  tip  of  the  third,  i.i  to 
1.5  in  head;  the  anterior  anal  ray  very  long,  usually  reaching  past  the 
tip  of  the  long  spines,  the  third  ray  only  about  half  the  length  of  the 
first,  the  posterior  4  rays  of  about  equal  length;  the  outer  posterior 
margin  of  fin  concave;  ventrals  large,  rather  long,  reaching  past  vent; 
pectorals  small,  not  nearly  reaching  tips  of  ventrals,  1.55  to  1.85  in 
head. 

Color  bluish  or  grayish  above,  sides  and  below  silvery ;  tip  of  snout 
and  lower  jaw  dusky;  lateral  line  black;  in  old  and  poorly  preserved 
specimens  the  black  has  often  disappeared,  leaving  it  almost,  or  entirely, 
pale;  fins  usually  all  more  or  less  dusky;  the  tips  of  caudal  lobes,  the 
tips  of  ventrals  and  the  tips  of  the  longest  anal  ray,  also  the  mem- 
brane between  the  second  and  third  anal  spines,  usually  black.  The 
amount  of  black  on  fins  varies  greatly  among  individuals;  in  some 
specimens  it  almost  entirely  disappears. 

This  species  is  here  described  from  106  specimens,  of  which  38  are 
from  the  Pacific  coast,  and  the  remainder  from  the  Atlantic.  The  speci- 
mens range  in  length  from  65  to  300  mm.  We  find  marked  variation 
with  age.  In  the  young  the  head  is  comparatively  longer,  the  eye 
larger,  the  fin  spines  longer,  and  the  anterior  profile  less  concave. 

We  are  unable  to  follow  those  authors  who  have  attempted  to  sepa- 
rate the  Pacific  coast  representatives  from  those  of  the  Atlantic.  The 
only  difference  that  we  note  in  our  large  series  is  that  the  scales  above 
the  lateral  line  of  the  Pacific  coast  specimens  seem  to  average  somewhat 
fewer  in  number.  In  19  specimens  from  the  Pacific  coast  there  are 
from  5  to  7  scales  between  the  lateral  line  and  the  second  dorsal  (count- 


APRIL  15,  1925.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    423 

ing  opposite  the  fifth  ray)  with  an  average  of  6.26  scales  to  a  series. 
In  23  specimens  from  the  Atlantic  the  range,  counted  as  above,  is  6  to 
8,  with  an  average  of  6.6 —  scales  to  a  series.  In  a  longitudinal  series 
above  the  lateral  line,  from  the  supraclavicle  serrae  to  base  of  caudal,  for 
the  same  19  specimens  from  the  Pacific  mentioned  above,  the  range  is 
from  62  to  67,  with  an  average  of  62.4+  scales  to  a  series.  For  the 
23  Atlantic  specimens  the  range  is  from  61  to  72,  with  an  average  of 
66.5 —  scales  to  a  series.  This  small  variation  may  well  occur  within 
a  species. 

Of  the  described  forms  included  here,  we  have  been  able  to  examine 
the  type  of  C.  grandoculatus  Jenkins  &  Evermann.  We  find  no  char- 
acters that  separate  it  from  C.  pectinatus,  as  here  described.  The  first 
dorsal  has  8  spines  as  usual.  The  authors  probably  overlooked  either 
the  first  or  the  last,  both  of  which  are  very  short.  We  count  62  scales 
in  a  longitudinal  series  above  the  lateral  line.  This  species  enters  rivers 
freely  and  many  of  our  specimens  were  taken  in  brackish  water. 

Known  from  both  coasts  of  tropical  America,  ranging  on  the  At- 
lantic from  the  West  Indies  to  Bahia  and  on  the  Pacific  from  Guaymas, 
Mexico,  to  Buenaventura,  Colombia.  Our  Atlantic  specimens  are  from 
Mindi,  Colon  and  Porto  Bello.  The  Pacific  coast  specimens  were  taken 
at  Chame  Point,  Balboa,  Corozal  and  Panama  City. 

313.  Centropomus  parallelus  Poey. 

Centropomus  parallelus  Poey,  Memorias,  II,  1860,  120  (Havana  and 

Cienfuegos)  ;  Gunther,  Trans.  Zool.  Soc.  London,  VI,  1869,  407; 

Vaillant  &  Bocourt,  Miss.  Sci.  Mex.,  etc.,  Pt.  IV,  1874,  22;  Jordan 

&  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  1122;  Regan, 

Biol.  Cent.  Amer.,  Pise.,  1907,  48. 
Centropomus  mexicanus  Bocourt,  Ann.  Sci.  Nat.,  5  ser.,  IX,  1868,  90 

(Gulf  of  Mexico)  ;  Vaillant  &  Bocourt,  Miss.  Sci.  Mex.,  etc.,  Pt. 

IV,  1874,  23,  PI.  I,  fig.  2;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat. 
Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  1121;  Meek,  Field  Col.  Mus.  Pub.,  Zool.  Ser., 

V,  1904,  199. 

Centropomus  constantinus  Jordan  &  Starks,  in  Jordan  &  Evermann, 

Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  1125  (Bahia,  Brazil). 
Centropomus  heringi  Fowler,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1906,  425, 

fig.  2  (Surinam  or  Dutch  Guiana). 
Centropomus  gabbi  Fowler,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1906,  423,  fig. 

i  (eastern  San  Domingo). 

Head  2.7  to  3;  depth  3.5  to  4;  D.  VII  or  VIII-I,  10  or  11 ;  A.  Ill, 
6;  scales  8  to  10  between  lateral  line  and  middle  of  second  dorsal, 


424    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

s 

77  to  90  in  longitudinal  series,  above  lateral  line,  from  supraclavicle 

serrae  to  base  of  caudal. 

Body  elongate,  moderately  compressed ;  the  back  elevated ;  anterior 
profile  only  slightly  convex;  head  long  and  depressed  above;  eyes 
large,  placed  high,  3.6  to  4.9  in  head;  snout  long,  ending  in  the  pro- 
truding lower  jaw,  3  to  3.5 ;  mouth  large,  nearly  horizontal ;  the  maxil- 
lary reaching  to  about  middle  of  eye,  2.25  to  2.4  in  head;  preorbital, 
preopercle  and  the  supraclavicle  serrate;  preopercular  ridge  with  2 
spines  at  angle ;  opercle  without  spines,  produced  into  a  flap,  which  ex- 
tends to  vertical  from  origin  of  first  dorsal  in  adult,  in  young  it  reaches 
somewhat  past  this  point;  gill-rakers  long  and  slender,  10  to  n  mov- 
able ones  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch ;  pseudobranchise  well  developed ; 
stomach  with  4  short  caeca;  air  bladder  simple,  without  appendages, 
tapering  posteriorly,  coming  to  a  sharp  point  rather  abruptly;  scales 
ctenoid,  smaller  than  in  related  species;  all  the  fins  except  spinous 
dorsal  more  or  less  scaly;  the  latter  usually  consisting  of  8  strong 
spines,  rarely  of  7  (one  specimen  out  of  thirteen  has  only  7  spines 
in  the  first  dorsal)  ;  the  third  spine  is  variable  in  length,  somewhat 
longer,  equal  to,  or  often  slightly  shorter  than  the  fourth,  never  reach- 
ing past  the  tip  of  the  fourth,  when  the  fin  is  deflexed,  its  length  1.75 
to  2.2  in  head;  second  dorsal  composed  of  one  spine  and  10  soft  rays1, 
rarely  of  1 1 ;  the  anterior  rays  high,  decreasing  in  length  to  about  the 
sixth  ray;  the  posterior  rays  of  about  equal  length;  outer  posterior 
margin  of  fin  concave;  caudal  deeply  forked,  both  lobes  acute;  anal 
fin  with  3  spines  and  6  divided  rays ;  the  second  spine  much  enlarged, 
reaching  past  the  tip  of  the  third  spine,  its  length  1.2  to  1.65  in  head; 
the  first  ray  long,  as  long  as  the  third  spine,  the  posterior  rays  of 
about  equal  length,  not  more  than  half  as  long  as  the  first  ray;  the 
outer  posterior  margin  of  fin  slightly  concave;  ventrals  moderate, 
reaching  to  or  past  vent;  pectorals  short,  1.55  to  1.8  in  head. 

Color  bluish  gray  above,  silvery  below;  lateral  line  in  a  black  or 
dusky  streak  which  becomes  pale  in  specimens  not  well  preserved; 
fins  all  more  or  less  dusky;  the  third  anal  spine  usually  black. 

Our  collection  contains  21  specimens,  ranging  from  120  to  580 
mm.  in  length,  upon  which  the  above  description  is  based. 

This  fish  ascends  streams  into  fresh  water.  One  of  our  specimens 
was  taken  above  rapids  in  the  Rio  Charges  some  distance  above  Alha- 
juela,  more  than  fifty  miles  from  the  sea.  Known  from  the  Atlantic 
coast  of  tropical  America,  from  the  West  Indies  to  Bahia,  Brazil. 
Our  specimens  are  from  the  Rio  Chagres  at  Gatun  and  Alhajuela,  New 
Gatun,  Hindi  Cut  and  Colon. 


APRIL  15,  1925.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    425 

314.  Centropomus  undecimalis  (Bloch).     (Plate  XLI.) 

Sci&na  undecimalis  Bloch,   Naturg.  Ausl.  Fische,  VI,   1792,  60,   PI. 

CCCIII  (Jamaica). 
Platycc phalus  undecimalis  Bloch  &   Schneider,   Syst.   Ichthyol.,   1801, 

59- 
Centropomus  undccim-radiatus  Lacepede,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  IV,  1803, 

268. 

Perca  loubina  Lacepede,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  IV,  1803,  418  (Cayenne). 
Sphyrcena  aureoviridis  Lacepede,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  V,  1803,  325»  PI- 

IX,  fig.  2  (Martinique). 

Centropomus  undecimalis  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss., 
II,  1828,  102,  PI.  XIV;  Vaillant  &  Bocourt,  Miss.  Sci.  Mex.,  etc., 
Pt.  IV,  1874,  17,  PI.  II,  fig.  i ;  Giinther,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus.,  I, 
l859,  79;  Steindachner,  Denkschr.  Ak.  Wiss.  Wien,  XXXIX,  1879, 
21;  Boulenger,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus.,  Ed.  II,  I,  1895,  367;  Jordan 
&  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  1118;  Gilbert  & 
Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  89;  Regan,  Biol.  Cent. 
Amer.,  Pise.,  1907,  49;  Jordan  &  Dickerson,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 
1908,  13;  Fowler,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1916,  402  (Colon). 
Centropomus  appendiculatus  Poey,  Memorias,  II,  1860,  119  (Havana 

and  Cienfuegos). 

Centropomus  argenteus,  Regan,  Ann.  &  Mag.  Nat.  Hist.,  Ser.  8,  XIII, 
1904,  260. 

Head  2.7  to  3.5;  depth  3.9  to  4.8;  D.  VIII-I,  10  or  11 ;  A.  Ill,  6; 
scales  7  to  8^2  between  lateral  line  and  middle  of  second  dorsal,  67 
to  77  in  longitudinal  series,  above  lateral  line,  from  supraclavicle  spines 
to  base  of  caudal. 

Body  elongate,  somewhat  compressed;  the  back  little  elevated; 
anterior  profile  almost  straight  in  young,  somewhat  convex  in  adult; 
head  long  and  low,  depressed  above;  eye  rather  small,  4.4  to  7.25  in 
head;  snout  long,  ending  in  the  projecting  lower  jaw,  3.1  to  3.6; 
mouth  large,  horizontal;  maxillary  reaching  from  slightly  past 
middle  of  eye  to  slightly  past  posterior  margin  of  pupil,  2.2  to  2.6  in 
head ;  preorbital  weakly  serrate  in  young,  smooth  in-  adult ;  pre- 
opercle  and  supraclavicle  serrate;  2  to  4  enlarged  serrae  at  angle  of 
preopercle;  preopercular  ridge  with  I  or  2  spines  at  angle,  the  lower 
one,  if  present,  very  small;  opercle  without  spines,  extended  into  a 
flap,  which  extends  to  vertical  from  origin  of  first  dorsal  in  young, 
somewhat  shorter  in  adult;  gill-rakers  rather  long,  7  or  8  movable 
ones  on  lower  limb  of  anterior  arch ;  pseudobranchise  well  developed ; 
stomach  with  4  caeca;  intestine  short,  less  than  half  the  length  of 


426    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

body;  air  bladder  anteriorly  with  2  lateral  appendages,  which  curve 
backwards  and  lie  along  lateral  sides  of  the  bladder,  their  length  is 
contained  from  6  to  6.4  times  in  total  length  of  bladder;  scales  mod- 
erate, ctenoid;  all  the  fins,  except  spinous  dorsal,  more  or  less  scaly  at 
least  at  base;  first  dorsal  with  8  strong  spines,  the  third  equal  to  or 
longer  than  the  fourth,  usually  not  reaching  tip  of  the  fourth  when 
the  fin  is  deflexed,  but  occasionally  reaching  past  it,  its  length  1.75 
to  2.3  in  head;  second  dorsal  with  one  spine  and  10  branched  rays, 
rarely  with  only  9  branched  rays,  the  anterior  rays  long,  the  posterior 
rays  not  more  than  half  as  long  as  the  anterior  rays;  the  outer  pos- 
terior margin  of  fin  concave ;  caudal  forked,  with  large  scales  at  base ; 
anal  constantly  with  3  spines  and  6  branched  rays;  the  second  spine 
always  longer  than  the  third,  reaching  past  the  tip  of  the  third  in  the 
young  when  the  fin  is  deflexed,  not  reaching  tip  of  the  third  in  the 
adult,  also  proportionately  shorter  in  the  adult,  its  length  1.45  to  2.3 
in  head ;  ventrals  moderate,  reaching  vent  in  young,  shorter  in  adult ; 
pectorals  moderate,  not  reaching  tips  of  ventrals,  but  of  about  equal 
length,  1.8  to  1.95  in  head. 

Color  bluish  gray  above,  silvery  below;  lateral  line  in  a  black 
streak;  sides  usually  with  dusky  punctulations ;  fins  somewhat  dusky; 
ventrals  without  black;  peritoneum  and  lining  of  gill-covers  silvery. 

This  species  is  represented  in  our  collection  by  37  specimens,  rang- 
ing from  85  to  460  mm.  in  length,  which  form  the  basis  for  the  above 
description. 

Known  from  the  Atlantic  coast  of  tropical  America,  ascending 
streams,  but  apparently  not  far,  as  only  a  few  of  our  specimens  were 
taken  in  streams  a  short  distance  above  brackish  water.  It  ranges  from 
Florida  to  Rio  de  Janeiro,  Brazil.  Our  specimens  are  from  Toro  Point, 
New  Gatun,  Mindi,  Colon  and  Porto  Bello. 

315.  Centropomus  nigrescens  Giinther.     (Plate  XLII.) 
Centropomus  nigrescens  Giinther,  Proc.  Zool.  Soc.  London,  1864,  144 

(Chiapam),  and  Trans.  Zool.  Soc.  London,  VI,  1869,  407;  Vaillant 

&  Bocourt,  Miss.  Sci.  Mex.,  etc.,  Pt.  IV,  1874,  20,  PI.  I,  fig.  I ; 

Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  1119; 

Gilbert  &  Starks,   Memoir.   Cal.  Ac.   Sci.,  IV,   1904,  90;  Regan, 

Biol.  Cent.  Amer.,  Pise.,  1907,  50. 
Centropomus  viridis  Lockington,  Proc.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  VII,  1876  (1877), 

no  (off  Asuncion  Island,  Lower  Calif.)  ;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull. 

U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  1118;  Regan,  Biol.  Cent.  Amer., 

Pise.,  1907,  50. 


APRIL  15,  1925.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    427 

Ccntropomus  undecimalis  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV, 
1904,  89  (part). 

Head  2.7  to  3.1 ;  depth  3.7  to  4.5;  D.  VIII-I  or  VII-II,  8  to  10;  A. 
Ill,  6;  scales  7  to  9  between  lateral  line  and  middle  of  second  dorsal, 
60  to  73  in  longitudinal  series  from  supraclavicle  to  base  of  caudal. 

Body  elongate,  somewhat  compressed ;  the  back  moderately  elevated ; 
anterior  profile  straight,  except  in  very  large  examples  where  it  becomes 
convex;  head  long,  somewhat  depressed  above;  eye  rather  small,  4.3 
to  8.6  in  head;  snout  long,  ending  in  the  protruding  lower  jaw,  3.15  to 
3.7;  mouth  large,  nearly  horizontal;  maxillary  reaching  from  pos- 
terior margin  of  pupil  to  posterior  margin  of  eye,  2.2  to  2.6  in  head; 
preorbital  weakly  serrate  in  young,  entire  in  adult;  preopercle  and 
supraclavicle  serrate;  the  serras  at  preopercular  angle  enlarged;  pre- 
opercular  ridge  with  only  one  developed  spine  at  angle,  smooth  in 
adult;  opercle  without  spines,  produced  into  a  flap,  which  reaches  ver- 
tical from  origin  of  first  dorsal  in  young,  shorter  in  adult;  gill-rakers 
rather  long,  8  to  10  movable  ones  on  lower  limb  of  anterior  arch; 
pseudobranchiae  well  developed;  stomach  with  4  caeca;  air  bladder 
simple  or  with  appendages  which  vary  from  mere  rudiments  to 
one-fourth  the  total  length  of  the  air  bladder;  scales  of  moderate 
size,  ctenoid;  all  the  fins  except  spinous  dorsal  more  or  less  scaly,  at 
least  at  the  base ;  first  dorsal  with  8  spines,  rarely  with  only  7 ;  the  first 
dorsal  spine  very  small,  the  third  usually  the  longest,  sometimes  the 
third  and  fourth  are  of  equal  length,  occasionally  the  third  is  shorter 
than  the  fourth,  1.7  to  2.5  in  head;  second  dorsal  usually  with  I  spine, 
occasionally  with  2  spines,  and  with  8  to  10  branched  rays,  the  anterior 
rays  long,  decreasing  rapidly  in  length  to  the  sixth  ray,  the  remaining 
rays  of  about  equal  length  and  not  more  than  half  the  length  of  the 
anterior  ray ;  the  outer  posterior  margin  of  fin  concave ;  caudal  forked, 
both  lobes  acute ;  anal  constantly  with  3  spines  and  6  branched  rays ;  the 
second  spine  enlarged,  constantly  larger  than  the  third,  reaching  past 
the  tip  of  third  when  the  fin  is  deflexed  only  in  the  very  young,  not 
reaching  tip  of  third  in  adult,  also  proportionately  shorter  in  adult,  2.1 
to  2.6  in  head ;  the  anterior  ray  very  long,  reaching  past  tip  of  longest 
spine  in  adult,  shorter  in  young;  ventrals  moderate,  reaching  vent  in 
young,  not  nearly  reaching  vent  in  adult;  pectorals  rather  short,  not 
reaching  tip  of  ventrals,  1.8  to  2.2  in  head. 

Color  bluish  gray  to  bluish  black  above,  silvery  below;  sides  with 
dusky  punctulations ;  lateral  line  in  a  black  streak ;  fins  usually  all  more 
or  less  dusky;  ventrals  usually  with  black  on  distal  third. 


428    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

Of  this  species  54  specimens,  ranging  from  80  to  580  mm.  in 
length,  were  preserved  and  form  the  basis  for  the  above  description. 
We  have  here  included  C.  viridis,  which  was  supposed  to  differ  from 
C.  nigrescent  mainly  in  that  it  had  an  air  bladder  with  appendages. 
It  has  already  been  noted  by  Gilbert  &  Starks  (1904)  that  the  length 
of  the  appendages  of  the  air  bladder  in  C.  viridis=-C.  undecimalis  vary 
greatly.  A  further  examination  of  16  specimens  shows  them  in  all 
stages  of  development.  Of  the  specimens  examined,  4  have  the  air 
bladder  entirely  without  appendages,  6  have  mere  rudiments,  and  6 
have  appendages  variously  developed,  ranging  in  length  from  1/12 
to  *4  °f  tne  total  length  of  the  bladder.  We  find  no  external  characters 
that  are  of  distinctive  value.  C.  nigrescens  is  very  closely  related  to 
C.  undecimalis  of  the  Atlantic  coast,  from  which  it  can  scarcely  be 
separated.  C.  nigrescens  has  from  8  to  10  movable  gill-rakers  on  the 
lower  limb  of  the  anterior  arch ;  C.  undecimalis  has  7  or  8.  The  former 
has  from  8  to  10,  usually  9,  branched  rays  in  the  second  dorsal;  the 
latter  almost  constantly  has  10.  The  scales  in  a  longitudinal  series 
above  the  lateral  line,  from  the  supraclavicle  serrse  to  base  of  caudal, 
are  usually  fewer  in  number  in  C.  nigrescens.  The  range  in  23 
specimens  in  the  scales  in  a  lateral  series  is  from  60  to  73,  with  an 
average  of  68 — .  In  23  specimens  of  C.  undecimalis,  the  range  in  the 
longitudinal  series  (counted  as  above)  is  from  66  to  77,  with  an  average 
of  72+  scales.  The  air  bladder  in  all  specimens  of  C.  undecimalis 
examined  has  appendages. 

Known  from  the  Pacific  coast  of  tropical  America.  It  enters 
streams  freely.  Some  of  our  specimens  were  taken  in  fresh  water 
streams  above  tide  influence.  Recorded  from  Lower  California  to 
Guayaquil,  Ecuador.  Our  specimens  were  taken  at  Chame,  Chanie 
Point,  Balboa,  Corozal,  Miraflores,  Rio  Mamone  and  Rio  Calobre. 

316.  Centropomus  unionensis  Bocourt. 

Centropomus  unionensis  Bocourt,  Ann.  Sci.  Nat.,  5  ser.,  IX,  1868,  90 
(La  Union,  El  Salvador)  ;  Vaillant  &  Bocourt,  Miss.  Sci.  Mex., 
etc.,  Pt.  IV,  1874,  37;  Steindachner,  (Sitzb.  k.  Ak.  Wiss.  Wien, 
LXXIV)  Ichth.  Beitr.,  V,  1876,  I ;  Boulenger,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus., 
Ed.  II,  I,  1895,  370;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 
XLVII,  1896,  1122;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV, 
1904,  90,  PI.  XII,  fig.  27;  Regan,  Biol.  Cent.  Amer.,  Pise.,  1907, 
53;  Fowler,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1916,  409  (Panama). 
Head  2.7  to  3.1 ;  depth  2.9  to  3.6;  D.  VIII-I,  9  or  10;  A.  Ill,  6; 

scales  6  or  7  between  lateral  line  and  middle  of  second  dorsal,  47  to 


APRIL  15,  1925.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    429 

50  in  longitudinal  series,  above  lateral  line,  from  supraclavicle  serrae 
to  base  of  caudal. 

Body  moderately  elongate,  compressed;  the  back  elevated;  anterior 
profile  convex,  rather  steep  at  nape ;  head  rather  long,  depressed  above ; 
snout  long,  ending  in  the  protruding  lower  jaw,  3.1  to  3.6  in  head; 
eye  4.15  to  5.7;  mouth  large,  horizontal;  the  maxillary  reaching  from 
middle  of  eye  to  posterior  margin  of  pupil,  2.2  to  2.6  in  head ;  preorbital, 
preopercle  and  supraclavicle  serrate;  preopercle  with  2  enlarged  teeth 
at  angle;  preopercular  ridge  with  one  small  and  one  large  spine  at 
angle;  opercle  without  spines,  produced  into  a  flap,  reaching  to  about 
vertical  from  origin  of  first  dorsal;  gill-rakers  moderate,  9  to  12 
movable  ones  on  lower  limb  of  anterior  arch;  pseudobranchiae  well 
developed;  stomach  with  4  caeca;  air  bladder  anteriorly  with  2  short 
processes;  scales  ctenoid,  large,  and  not  greatly  crowded  in  front  of 
first  dorsal,  13  to  17  in  a  series  in  advance  of  dorsal;  all  the  fins,  except 
spinous  dorsal,  more  or  less  scaly  at  base ;  the  first  dorsal  with  8  spines, 
the  third  and  fourth  spines  usually  of  about  equal  length,  sometimes, 
however,  the  third  is  notably  longer  and  again  it  is  somewhat  shorter, 
1.7  to  2.05  in  head;  second  dorsal  with  one  spine  and  usually  with  9, 
occasionally  with  10,  branched  rays ;  the  anterior  rays  long,  more  than 
twice  the  length  of  the  posterior ;  outer  posterior  margin  of  fin  concave ; 
caudal  forked,  the  lobes  of  equal  length,  acute ;  anal  with  3  spines  and  6 
branched  rays;  the  second  spine  moderately  enlarged,  extending  past 
the  tip  of  the  third  spine  a  distance  usually  less  than  half  the  diameter 
of  eye,  usually  not  quite  reaching  the  base  of  caudal,  1.35  to  1.75  in 
head;  ventrals  reaching  vent  in  adult,  past  vent  in  young;  pectorals 
moderate,  not  reaching  tips  of  ventrals,  1.3  to  1.47  in  head. 

Color  bluish  gray  above,  silvery  below;  lateral  line  not  in  a  dark 
streak;  fins  usually  all  more  or  less  dusky;  spinous  dorsal  usually 
black;  membrane  between  second  and  third  anal  spine  pale  or  only 
slightly  dusky. 

This  species  is  represented  by  37  specimens,  ranging  from  95  to 
220  mm.  in  length,  upon  which  the  above  description  is  based.  It  differs 
mainly  from  C.  armatus  in  the  shorter  and  weaker  fin  spines,  the 
lateral  line  is  not  in  a  black  streak,  the  membrane  between  the  second 
and  third  anal  spines  is  not  black,  and  the  scales  in  front  of  the  first 
dorsal  are  fewer  in  number  and  less  crowded.  From  C.  robaUto  it 
differs  mainly  in  having  more  scales  between  the  lateral  line  and  second 
dorsal,  fewer  gill-rakers,  and  smaller  fin  spines.  It  is  abundant  in 
tide  streams. 


43°    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

Known  from  the  Pacific  coast  of  tropical  America,  namely,  La 
Union,  El  Salvador;  Panama  City,  Corozal  and  Rio  Culebra,  Panama; 
and  Guayaquil,  Ecuador. 

317.  Centropomus  robalito  Jordan  &  Gilbert. 

Centropomus  armatus  Giinther,  Trans.  Zool.  Soc.  London,  VI,  1869, 

408  (not  of  Gill). 
Centropomus  robalito  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1881, 

462  (Mazatlan,  Acapulco)  ;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat. 

Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  1 123 ;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci., 

IV,  1904,  94,  PL  XIII,  fig.  25;  Regan,  Biol.  Cent.  Amer.,  Pise., 

JW,  5i;  Kendall  &  Radcliffe,  Memoir.  Mus.  Comp.  Zool.,  XXXV, 

1912,  101. 
Centropomus  ensiferus  Boulenger,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus.,  Ed.  II,  I, 

l&95>  369  (not  of  Poey). 

Head  2.7  to  3;  depth  3.1  to  3.8;  D.  VIII-I,  10;  A.  Ill,  6;  scales 
5  or  S/^2  between  lateral  line  and  middle  of  second  dorsal,  50  to  53  in 
longitudinal  series,  above  lateral  line,  from  supraclavicle  serrae  to  base 
of  caudal. 

Body  moderately  elongate,  compressed;  the  back  elevated;  anterior 
profile  notably  convex  over  head,  steep  at  nape;  head  long,  depressed 
above;  snout  long,  ending  in  the  protruding  lower  jaw,  3.1  to  3.4  in 
head;  eye  3.7  to  5.7;  mouth  large,  horizontal;  the  maxillary  reaching 
about  middle  of  eye,  2.4  to  2.7  in  head;  preorbital,  preopercle  and 
supraclavicle  serrate;  preopercular  ridge  with  one  small  and  one  well 
developed  spine;  opercle  without  spines,  produced  into  a  flap,  which 
reaches  somewhat  past  the  vertical  from  origin  of  first  dorsal;  gill- 
rakers  numerous,  13  to  17  movable  ones  on  lower  limb  of  anterior 
arch ;  pseudobranchiae  well  developed ;  stomach  with  4  caeca ;  air  bladder 
anteriorly  with  2  short  processes;  scales  ctenoid,  large,  not  greatly 
crowded  in  front  of  first  dorsal,  13  to  16  in  a  series  in  advance 
of  dorsal;  all  the  fins,  except  spinous  dorsal,  more  or  less  scaly,  at 
least  at  base ;  first  dorsal  with  8  spines ;  the  third  dorsal  spine  equal  to 
or  longer  than  the  fourth,  but  never  reaching  past  the  tip  of  the  fourth 
when  fin  is  deflexed,  1.6  to  1.9  in  head ;  second  dorsal  with  one  spine  and 
10  branched  rays,  the  anterior  rays  long,  the  posterior  rays  about  half 
the  length  of  the  first,  outer  posterior  margin  of  fin  concave;  caudal 
forked,  the  lobes  acute,  of  equal  length;  anal  with  3  spines  and  6 
branched  rays,  the  second  spine  notably  enlarged,  extending  past  the 
tip  of  the  third  spine,  a  distance  somewhat  smaller  than  the  diameter  of 
the  eye,  reaching  to  or  past  the  base  of  caudal  when  fin  is  deflexed, 


APRIL  15,  1925.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    431 

1.15  to  1.55  in  head;  the  anterior  ray  long,  reaching  slightly  past  the 
tip  of  the  third  spine,  the  posterior  ray  less  than  half  the  length  of  the 
anterior;  outer  posterior  margin  of  fin  concave;  ventrals  rather  long, 
reaching  vent  in  adult  and  past  vent  in  young ;  pectorals  moderate,  not 
quite  reaching  tip  of  ventral,  1.4  to  1.55  in  head. 

Color  bluish  gray  above,  silvery  below;  lateral  line  not  in  a  black 
streak;  all  the  fins  usually  more  or  less  dusky;  spinous  dorsal  usually 
black ;  the  membrane  between  the  second  and  third  anal  spines  not  black. 

Our  collection  contains  28  specimens,  ranging  from  70  to  240  mm. 
in  length,  and  they  form  the  basis  for  the  above  description.  This 
species  differs  from  C.  armatus  mainly  in  having  fewer  scales  between 
lateral  line  and  second  dorsal,  also  fewer  and  less  crowded  scales  in 
front  of  first  dorsal,  the  gill-rakers  are  more  numerous,  the  fin  spines 
are  somewhat  shorter,  and  the  lateral  line  is  not  in  a  dark  streak. 
It  is  abundant  in  tide  streams. 

Known  from  the  Pacific  coast  of  tropical  America,  from  Rio 
Presidio,  Mexico,  to  Panama.  Our  specimens  are  from  Arrijan, 
Balboa,  Corozal  and  Panama  City. 

318.  Centropomus  armatus  Gill. 

Centropomus  armatus  Gill,   Proc.   Ac.    Nat.    Sci.    Phila.,    1863,    163 

Panama)  ;  Vaillant  &  Bocourt,  Miss.  Sci.  Mex.,  etc.,  Pt.  IV,  1874, 

34;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  1123 ; 

Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  92,  PI.  XIII, 

fig.  26;  Regan,  Biol.  Cent.  Amer.,  Pise.,  1907,  52. 

Centropomus  brevis  Giinther,   Proc.   Zool.    Soc.   London,   1864,    145. 

Centropomus  ensiferus  Boulenger,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus.,  Ed.  II,  I, 

!895,  369  (not  of  Poey). 

Centropomus  atridorsalis  Regan,  Ann.  &  Mag.  Nat.  Hist.,  Ser.  7,  XII, 
1903,  627  (Rio  Vauqueria,  Ecuador). 

Head  2.7  to  2.95 ;  depth  3  to  3.4 ;  D.  VII  or  VIII-I,  9  or  10 ;  A. 
Ill,  6;  scales  6  to  7%  between  lateral  line  and  middle  of  second  dorsal, 
47  to  55  in  longitudinal  series,  above  lateral  line,  from  supraclavicle 
serrae  to  base  of  caudal. 

Body  robust,  moderately  elongate,  compressed;  the  back  elevated; 
anterior  profile  notably  convex,  especially  in  adult,  rather  steep  over 
posterior  part  of  head;  head  long,  depressed  over  eyes;  snout  long, 
ending  in  the  protruding  lower  jaw,  3.1  to  3.8  in  head;  eye  4.1  to  6.1 ; 
mouth  large,  horizontal,  the  maxillary  reaching  from  middle  of  eye  to 
posterior  margin  of  pupil,  2.3  to  2.5  in  head ;  preorbital,  preopercle  and 
supraclavicle  serrate  at  all  ages;  preopercle  with  2  enlarged  teeth  at 


432    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

angle;  preopercular  ridge  with  but  one  developed  spine  at  angle; 
opercle  without  spines,  produced  into  a  flap,  which  usually  reaches 
somewhat  past  the  origin  of  first  dorsal;  gill-rakers  moderate,  from  9 
to  12  movable  ones  on  lower  limb  of  anterior  arch;  pseudobranchiae 
well  developed;  stomach  with  4  caeca;  intestine  very  short,  much  less 
than  half  the  length  of  the  body;  air  bladder  simple,  without  appen- 
dages ;  scales  ctenoid,  small  and  crowded  in  front  of  first  dorsal,  19  to 
25  in  number,  large  elsewhere;  all  the  fins,  except  spinous  dorsal,  more 
or  less  scaly,  at  least  at  base;  first  dorsal  with  8  strong  spines,  rarely 
with  7,  the  third  and  fourth  spines  the  longest,  usually  about  equal 
length,  although  in  some  of  our  specimens  the  third  spine  is  notably 
longer  than  the  fourth,  and  in  others  it  is  shorter,  the  third  never 
reaching  past  the  tip  of  the  fourth  when  fin  is  deflexed,  1.55  to  2.3 
in  head;  second  dorsal  with  one  spine  and  10  rays,  occasionally  with 
only  9,  the  anterior  ray  about  two  times  as  long  as  the  posterior,  outer 
posterior  margin  of  fin  concave;  caudal  forked,  the  lobes  acute,  of  equal 
length ;  anal  with  3  spines  and  6  branched  rays ;  the  second  anal  spine 
much  enlarged,  varying  greatly  in  length  among  individuals,  constantly 
extending  far  past  the  tip  of  the  third  spine,  reaching  to  or  past  base 
of  caudal  when  fin  is  deflexed,  i.i  to  1.55  in  head;  the  anterior 
branched  ray  of  anal  equal  to  or  slightly  longer  than  the  third  spine, 
more  than  twice  the  length  of  the  posterior  rays,  outer  posterior  margin 
of  fin  somewhat  concave;  ventrals  moderate,  reaching  past  vent  in 
young,  proportionately  shorter  in  adult,  reaching  only  about  Y^  of  the 
distance  from  their  base  to  vent ;  pectorals  long,  reaching  to  or  past  the 
tips  of  the  ventrals,  1.27  to  1.48  in  head. 

Color  bluish  gray  above,  silvery  below;  sides  usually  with  dusky 
punctulations ;  lateral  line  in  a  dark  streak,  which  fades  readily  in 
alcohol;  all  the  fins  usually  dusky;  the  membranes  between  spines  of 
first  dorsal  and  between  second  and  third  anal  spines  black. 

This  species  is  very  abundant  in  the  tide  streams  of  the  Pacific 
coast  of  Panama,  98  specimens,  ranging  from  80  to  265  mm.  in  length, 
were  preserved,  and  these  form  the  basis  for  the  above  description. 
This  species  is  close  to  C.  ensiferus,  from  which  it  differs  mainly  in  the 
deeper  and  more  robust  body  (average  depth  of  26  specimens  of  C. 
armatus  is  3.34 — ,  of  24  specimens  of  C.  ensiferus  3.76-)-)  ;  stronger 
fin  spines;  smaller  and  more  crowded  scales  in  front  of  first  dorsal; 
more  rows  of  scales  between  lateral  line  and  second  dorsal  (average 
number  of  scales  in  vertical  series  between  lateral  line  and  middle  of 
second  dorsal  in  26  specimens  of  C.  armatus  is  6.77-4-,  in  24  specimens 
of  C.  ensiferus  5.52+)  ;  and  in  the  somewhat  larger  mo'uth. 


APRIL  15,  1925.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    433 

Known  from  the  Pacific  coast  of  tropical  America,  from  Chiapam, 
Guatemala,  to  Guayaquil,  Ecuador.  Our  specimens  are  from  Balboa, 
Corozal,  Panama  City,  Rio  Culebra  and  Rio  Calobre. 

319.  Centropomus  ensiferus  Poey. 

Ccntropomus  ensiferus  Poey,  Memorias,  II,  1860,  122,  PI.  XII,  fig.  I 

(Havana);  Giinther,  Trans.  Zool.  Soc.  London,  VI,   1869,  408; 

Vaillant  &  Bocourt,  Miss.  Sci.  Mex.,  etc.,  Pt.  IV,  1874,  33;  Stein- 

dachner,  Denkshr.  Ak.  Wiss.  Wien,  XXXIX,  1879,  21 ;  Jordan, 

Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1886,  39;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S. 

Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  1125;  Regan,  Biol.  Cent.  Amer.,  Pise., 

1907,  52. 
Centropomus  affinis  Steindachner,  (Sitzb.  k.  Ak.  Wiss.  Wien,  XLIX) 

Ichth.  Notizen,  I,  1864,  I,  PI.  I,  fig.  i  (Rio  de  Janeiro  and  Cajutuba, 

Brazil;  Demerara,  Guiana)  ;  Vaillant  and  Bocourt,  Miss.  Sci.  Mex., 

etc.,  Pt.  IV,  1874,  31,  PI.  I,  fig.  i ;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S. 

Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  1124. 
Centropomus  scaber  Bocourt,  Ann.   Sci.   Nat.,   5   ser.,   IX,   1868,  90 

(marshes  of  Belize). 
Centropomus  altus  Regan,   Biol.   Cent.   Amer.,   Pise.,    1907,   53,   PI. 

VIII,  fig.  i  (Colon,  Panama). 

Head  2.7  to  3;  depth  3.4  to  4.1;  D.  VIII-I,  10;  A.  Ill,  6;  scales 
5  to  6y2  between  lateral  line  and  middle  of  second  dorsal,  50  to  56  in 
longitudinal  series,  above  lateral  line,  from  supraclavicle  serrae  to  base 
of  caudal. 

Body  elongate,  moderately  compressed;  the  back  little  elevated; 
anterior  profile  not  steep,  nearly  straight  in  young,  slightly  convex  over 
anterior  portion  of  head  in  adult ;  head  long  and  low ;  snout  long,  ending 
in  the  protruding  lower  jaw,  2.95  to  3.8  in  head ;  eye  3.8  to  6.4 ;  mouth 
moderate,  horizontal;  the  maxillary  reaching  to  about  middle  of  eye, 
2.5  to  2.8  in  head;  preorbital,  preopercle  and  supraclavicle  serrate; 
preopercle  with  2  enlarged  teeth  at  angle;  preopercular  ridge  with  one 
small  and  one  well  developed  spine;  opercle  without  spines,  produced 
into  a  flap  which  extends  well  past  the  vertical  from  origin  of  first 
dorsal;  gill-rakers  moderate,  from  10  to  13  movable  ones  on  lower  limb 
of  anterior  arch ;  pseudobranchiae  well  developed ;  stomach  with  4  short 
caeca;  intestine  very  short;  air  bladder  simple,  without  appendages; 
scales  strongly  ctenoid,  rather  large,  not  greatly  crowded  in  front  of 
first  dorsal,  16  to  18  in  a  series  in  advance  of  dorsal ;  all  the  fins,  except 
spinous  dorsal,  more  or  less  scaly,  at  least  at  base;  first  dorsal  with  8 
spines,  which  are  not  as  strong  as  those  of  C.  armatus  of  the  Pacific 


434    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

coast,  its  nearest  relative;  the  third  spine  equal  to  or  longer  than  the 
fourth,  never  reaching  past  the  tip  of  the  fourth  when  the  fin  is  deflexed, 
1.65  to  2.2  in  head;  second  dorsal  with  one  spine  and  10  branched  rays, 
the  anterior  rays  long,  more  than  twice  the  length  of  the  posterior  rays ; 
outer  posterior  margin  of  fin  concave;  caudal  forked,  both  lobes  of 
equal  length,  acute ;  anal  with  3  spines  and  6  branched  rays ;  the  second 
anal  spine  excessively  long,  but  not  as  strong  as  in  C.  armatus,  extending 
far  past  the  tip  of  the  third  spine,  reaching  past  the  base  of  the  caudal 
when  fin  is  deflexed,  i  to  i  .35  in  head ;  the  anterior  branched  anal  ray- 
equal  to  or  longer  than  the  third  spine,  more  than  twice  the  length  of 
the  posterior  ray;  outer  posterior  margin  of  anal  fin  concave;  ventrals 
moderate,  reaching  past  vent  in  young,  proportionately  shorter  in  adult, 
when  they  do  not  reach  vent ;  pectorals  moderate,  reaching  about  to  tip 
of  ventrals,  1.4  to  1.5  in  head. 

Color  bluish  gray  or  brownish  above,  silvery  below;  sides  with  or 
without  dark  points ;  lateral  line  in  a  dark  streak  which  often  fades  in 
alcohol ;  fins  all  more  or  less  dusky ;  the  membranes  between  the  spines 
of  first  dorsal  and  between  second  and  third  anal  spines  black. 

This  species  was  found  less  abundantly  than  most  of  the  other 
species  of  this  genus  from  the  Atlantic  coast.  Our  collection  contains 
25  specimens,  ranging  from  60  to  230  mm.  in  length.  The  above 
description  is  based  on  these  specimens  and  numerous  others,  in  the 
National  Museum  collection  from  the  West  Indies,  that  we  have 
examined. 

Known  from  the  West  Indies  and  the  Atlantic  coast  of  tropical 
America,  from  Cuba  to  Rio  de  Janeiro,  Brazil.  Our  specimens  were 
taken  at  New  Gatun,  Mindi  Cut,  Colon  and  Porto  Bello. 

Family  LI.    Serranidae. 

THE  SEA  BASSES. 

Body  oblong,  more  or  less  compressed;  mouth  moderate,  or  large, 
more  or  less  oblique;  premaxillaries  protractile;  maxillary  broad, 
exposed;  teeth  conical  or  pointed,  present  on  jaws,  vomer  and  palatines; 
gills  4,  a  slit  behind  the  fourth ;  gill-membranes  free  from  the  isthmus ; 
branchiostegals  6  or  7;  nostrils  2  on  each  side;  lateral  line  usually 
complete,  rarely  interrupted  on  side;  never  extending  on  caudal  fin; 
scales  adherent,  moderate  or  small,  usually  ctenoid,  extending  forward 
on  opercle  and  cheeks;  dorsal  spines  stiff,  from  2  to  15  in  number;  soft 
dorsal  with  10  to  30  rays;  anal  fin  short,  spines  if  present  always  3, 
soft  rays  7  to  12 ;  ventrals  thoracic,  without  axillary  scale,  with  I,  5  rays. 


APRIL  15,  1925.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    435 

This  is  a  very  large  family,  consisting  chiefly  of  marine  species 
inhabiting  all  warm  seas.  So  far  as  known,  the  species  are  carnivorous, 
some  of  them  reach  a  very  large  size,  and  most  of  them  are  valued  as 
food.  The  members  of  this  family,  known  as  groupers,  command  a 
fancy  price  in  the  markets  on  the  Isthmus  of  Panama. 

KEY  TO  THE  GENERA. 

a.  Ventral  fins  inserted  a  little  behind  the  base  of  pectorals. 

b.  Dorsal  normally  with  9  spines. 

c.  Caudal  fin  deeply  forked,  the  lobes  notably  produced ;  dorsal  fin 
very  low,  with  19  or  20  soft  rays;  gill-rakers  long  and  slender, 
about  25  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch.  Paranthias,  p.  436. 

cc.  Caudal  fin  rounded;  dorsal  fin  notably  higher,  with  14  to  17 
soft  rays;  gill-rakers  rather  short,  fewer  than  18  on  lower 
limb  of  first  arch. 

d.  Dorsal  rays  IX,  15  to  17;  anal  rays  III,  9. 

Cephalopholis,  p.  438. 

dd.     Dorsal  rays  IX,  14;  anal  rays  III,  8.       Petrometopon,  p.  441. 
bb.     Dorsal  normally  with  10  or  u  spines. 

e.  Anal  fin  rather  long,  with  n  or  12  soft  rays. 

Mycteroperca,  p.  444. 
ee.     Anal  fin  shorter,  with  7  or  8  soft  rays. 

f .  Maxillary  with  a  distinct  supplemental  bone ;  jaws  with  enlarged, 
depressible  teeth  behind  the  outside  row. 

g.  Posterior  margin  of  preopercle  serrate,  the  lower  limb  entire, 
no  antrorse  spines. 

h.  Cranium  broad,  depressed  between  the  eyes ;  scales  of  lateral  line 
each  with  4  to  6  strong  radiating  ridges.  Promicrops,  p.  45°. 

hh.  Cranium  narrower,  not  depressed  between  the  eyes;  scales  of 
lateral  line  normal,  simply  with  radiating  striae. 

Epinephelus,  p.  452. 

gg.  Posterior  margin  of  preopercle  serrate,  a  single  strong  antrorse 
spine  on  lower  posterior  angle.  Alphestes,  p.  463. 

ff.  Maxillary  without  a  supplemental  bone;  jaws  without  enlarged 
depressible  teeth. 

i.  Body  robust,  the  back  not  notably  elevated;  dorsal  fin  notched, 
some  of  the  anterior  spines  notably  elevated;  lower  limb  of 
preopercle  entire.  Paralabrax,  p.  466. 


436    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

ii.  Body  deep  and  compressed,  the  back  notably  elevated;  dorsal 
fin  not  notched,  none  of  the  spines  high ;  lower  limb  of  preopercle 
distinctly  serrate.  Hypoplectrus,  p.  467. 

aa.    Ventral  fins  inserted  a  little  in  advance  of  base  of  pectorals. 

j.      Anal  fin  with  3  spines;  dorsal  with  7  to  10  spines. 

k.  Lateral  line  simple,  complete,  not  interrupted;  preopercular 
margin  serrate,  the  serrse  arranged  in  clusters  or  not. 

I.  Preopercular  margin  finely  serrate,  the  serrse  not  arranged  in 
clusters.  Prionodes,  p.  470. 

II.  Preopercle  with  I  or  2  clusters  of  strong,  diverging  spines. 

Diplectrum,  p.  472. 

kk.  Lateral  line  interrupted  under  posterior  part  of  soft  dorsal, 
reappearing  lower  down  on  side;  preopercular  margin  with  a 
single  broad  spine,  otherwise  smooth;  opercle  without  evident 
spine.  Rhegma,  p.  478. 

jj.  Anal  fin  without  spine;  dorsal  fin  with  2  or  3  spines;  preopercle 
provided  with  2  or  3  spines,  otherwise  smooth;  opercle  with 
2  or  3  spines.  Rypticus,  p.  479- 

124.  Genus  Paranthias  Guichenot. 

Brachyrhinus  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1862,  236  (type  Serranus 

creolus   Cuvier   &   Valenciennes   =    Serranus  furcifer   Cuvier   & 

Valenciennes;  name  preoccupied). 
Paranthias  Guichenot,  Ann.  Soc.  Linn.  Maine  et  Loire,  X,  1868,  87 

(type  Serranus  creolus  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes  =  Serranus  furcifer 

Cuvier  &  Valenciennes). 

Body  elongate,  compressed;  head  short,  rather  blunt;  mouth 
moderate;  maxillary  of  moderate  width;  teeth  in  narrow  bands,  2  to  4 
anterior  canines  present;  preopercular  margin  finely  serrate;  gill-rakers 
slender,  rather  numerous;  lateral  line  simple,  complete;  scales  small, 
ctenoid  on  body,  cycloid  on  head ;  dorsal  fin  low,  with  9  spines ;  caudal 
fin  deeply  forked;  anal  fin  rather  short,  with  III,  9  or  10  rays;  ventrals 
rather  long,  narrow,  inserted  just  behind  base  of  pectorals;  pectorals 
long,  slightly  pointed. 

A  single  species  of  this  genus  is  known. 

320.  Paranthias  furcifer  (Cuvier  &  Valenciennes). 
Serranus  furcifer  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  II,  1828, 
196  (Brazil). 


APRIL  15,  1925.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    437 

Serranus  creolus  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  II,  1828,  197 

(Martinique)  ;  Steindachner,  (Sitzb.  k.  Ak.  Wiss.  Wien,  LXXII) 

Ichth.  Beitr.,  IV,  1875,  6  (Panama  Bay). 
Corvina  oxyptcra  De  Kay,  Fauna  N.  Y.,  Fishes,  1842,  77,  PI.  XXX, 

fig.  96  (no  locality). 
Serranus  colonus  Valenciennes,  Voy.  Venus,  Zool.,  1846,  PI.  II,  fig.  I, 

text,  1855,  3°°  (Galapagos  Is.). 

Anthias  furcifer  Giinther,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus.,  I,  1859,  91- 
Brachyrhinus  creolus  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1862,  249. 

Paranthias  creolus  Guichenot,  Ann.  Soc.  Linn.  Maine  et  Loire,  X, 

1868,  87. 
Paranthias  furcifer  Guichenot,  Ann.  Soc.  Linn.  Maine  et  Loire,  X, 

1868,  87;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.   S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII, 

1896,  1221,  PI.  CXCII,  fig.  504;  Kendall  &  Radcliffe,  Memoir.  Mus. 

Comp.  Zool.,  XXXV,  1912,  no  (Panama;  Toboguilla  Island). 
Brachyrhinus  furcifer  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U."  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XVI, 

1883,  916. 

Head  3.33  to  3.6;  depth  2.75  to  2.9;  D.  IX,  19  or  20;  A.  Ill,  10; 
scales  105  to  118. 

Body  rather  deep;  dorsal  and  ventral  outlines  anteriorly  both 
convex,  the  dorsal  outline  more  strongly  curved  than  the  ventral ;  head 
rather  short  and  deep ;  snout  short  and  rather  blunt,  3.85  to  4.8  in  head ; 
eye  3.85  to  4.2;  mouth  moderate,  oblique;  lower  jaw  projecting; 
maxillary  reaching  to  or  a  little  beyond  middle  of  eye,  2.25  to  2.4  in 
head ;  teeth  small,  in  villiform  bands  on  jaws,  vomer  and  palatines,  each 
jaw  with  a  very  small  pair  of  canines  anteriorly;  preopercular  margin 
finely  serrate,  the  serrse  at  angle  scarcely  enlarged;  opercle  short,  with 
3  spines,  the  middle  one  the  longest;  gill-rakers  slender,  about  24  tne 
diameter  of  eye,  24  to  26  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch;  scales  small, 
ctenoid  on  body,  smooth  on  head,  extended  on  base  of  caudal  fin; 
dorsal  fin  long,  without  notch,  the  first  spine  short,  the  second  only 
slightly  shorter  than  the  third,  the  third  and  succeeding  spines  of  about 
equal  length,  the  soft  part  of  fin  scarcely  higher  than  the  spines,  the 
posterior  rays  slightly  shorter  than  the  anterior  ones ;  caudal  fin  deeply 
forked,  both  lobes  produced,  pointed,  the  upper  one  the  longer,  equal 
to  or  longer  than  head;  anal  fin  with  3  spines,  the  second  and  third 
of  about  equal  length,  the  soft  part  a  little  higher  than  soft  dorsal; 
ventral  fins  narrow,  inserted  a  little  behind  base  of  pectorals ;  pectoral 
fins  reaching  well  beyond  tips  of  ventrals,  slightly  pointed,  i  to  i.i 
in  head. 


438    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

Color  uniform  brownish  above,  lower  parts  and  all  the  fins  except 
dorsal  blood  red;  the  base  of  dorsal  very  dark,  distal  parts  reddish 
green. 

This  fish  is  represented  by  7  specimens  in  the  present  collection, 
ranging  from  200  to  268  mm.  in  length,  which  were  taken  along  the 
rocky  shores  of  Taboga  Island  by  the  use  of  dynamite.  It  was  seen 
only  on  this  occasion.  Numerous  specimens  were  taken  at  Taboguilla 
Island  by  the  Albatross  in  1905.  We  have  no  specimens  for  comparison 
from  the  Atlantic. 

Known  from  both  coasts  of  tropical  America,  from  Cuba  to  Brazil 
and  from  Cape  San  Lucas  to  Peru.  Our  specimens  are  from  Taboga 
Island. 

125.  Genus  Cephalopholis  Bloch  &  Schneider. 

Cephalopholis    Bloch    &    Schneider,    Syst.    Ichth.,    1801,    311     (type 

Cephalopholis  argus  Bloch  &  Schneider). 
Enneacentrus  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1865,  IO5  (tyP6  Serranus 

ouatalibi  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes). 
Menephorus  Poey,  Ann.  Lye.  Nat.  Hist.  N.  Y.,  X,  1871,  50   (type 

Serranus  dubius  Poey). 

This  genus  differs  from  Epinephelus  chiefly  in  the  presence  of  9, 
instead  of  n,  spines  in  the  dorsal  fin. 

"In  character  of  cranium  the  two  genera  differ  little,  the  skull 
above  having  its  bones  thin  and  smooth,  the  angular  ridge  on  the 
posterior  part  of  the  f rentals  being  wanting,  the  parietal  and  supra- 
occipital  crests  not  extending  on  the  f rentals."  (Jordan  &  Evermann.) 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES. 

a.  Dorsal  fin  with  15  soft  rays;  the  soft  dorsal  and  anal  with 
convex  outlines;  gill-rakers  about  as  long  as  pupil,  12  to  14 
on  lower  limb  of  first  arch.  fulvus,  p.  438. 

aa.  Dorsal  fin  with  17  soft  rays;  the  soft  dorsal  and  anal  with  some 
of  the  rays  produced,  making  the  outlines  angular;  gill-rakers 
about  half  the  diameter  of  eye,  17  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch. 

acanthistius,  p.  440. 

321.  Cephalopholis  fulvus  (Linnaeus). 

Labrus  fulvus  ;Linnaeus,  Syst.  Nat.,  Ed.  X,  1758,  287  (Bahamas). 
Perca  punctata  Linnaeus,  Syst.  Nat.,  Ed.  X,  1758,  291  (Bahamas). 
Guativere  amarilla  Parra,  Desc.  Piezas  de  Hist.  Nat.,  1787,  PI.  V,  fig.  2 

(Cuba). 
Perca  punctulata  Gmelin,  Syst.  Nat.  Hist.,  1789,  1315  (Bahamas). 


APRIL  15,  1925.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    439 

Holocentrus  auratus  Bloch,  Naturg.  Ausl.  Fische,  IV,  1790,  75,  PI. 

CCXXXVI   (East  Indies). 
Bodianus  guativere   Bloch   &   Schneider,    Syst.    Ichthyol.,    1801,   336 

(Cuba). 
Serranus  auratus  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  II,  1828, 

364- 
Serranus  ouatalibi  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  II,  1828, 

381  (Havana). 
Serranus  guativere  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  II,  1828, 

383. 
Serranus  carauna  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  II,  1828, 

384  (Brazil). 

Enneacentrus  punctatus  Poey,  Syn.  Pise.  Cub.,  1868,  288. 
Eplnephelus  fulvus  Jordan  &  Swain,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,   1884, 

402. 
Bodianus  fulvus  Jordan  &  Eigenmann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  VIII, 

1888  (1890),  379- 
Bodianus  fulvus  ruber  Jordan  &  Eigenmann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm., 

VIII,  1888  (1890),  379. 
Bodianus  fulvus  punctatus  Jordan  &  Eigenmann,   Bull.  U.    S.   Fish 

Comm.,  VIII,  1888  (1890),  380. 
Epinephelus  punctatus  Boulenger,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus.,  Ed.  II,  I,  1895, 

183,  fig.  16  (skull). 
Cephalopholis  fulvus  Starks,  Leland  Stanford  Jr.  Univ.  Pub.,  Univ. 

Ser.,  1913,  45  (Natal). 

Head  2.65  to  3;  depth  2.7  to  3;  D.  IX,  15;  A.  Ill,  9  (rarely  8)  ; 
scales  89  to  96. 

Body  elongate,  moderately  compressed;  anterior  profile  rather 
strongly  convex ;  head  moderate ;  snout  rather  acute,  3.75  to  4.4  in  head ; 
eye  3.8  to  4.7;  mouth  large;  lower  jaw  strongly  projecting;  maxillary 
broad,  reaching  well  beyond  eye,  1.8  to  1.95  in  head;  teeth  moderate, 
pointed,  in  narrow  bands  on  jaws,  vomer  and  palatines ;  a  pair  of  very 
small  fixed  canines  on  anterior  margin  of  each  jaw,  shorter  but  stronger 
than  the  depressible  teeth  behind  them;  preopercular  margin  finely  ser- 
rate, the  serrae  at  angle  scarcely  enlarged,  a  slight  notch  above  angle; 
gill-rakers  not  much  longer  than  pupil,  12  to  14  on  lower  limb  of  first 
arch;  scales  small,  strongly  ctenoid  posteriorly,  becoming  smooth  in 
advance  of  dorsal ;  dorsal  fin  moderate,  the  third  and  fourth  spines  the 
longest,  the  posterior  spines  only  slightly  reduced,  the  soft  part  of  dorsal 
higher  than  the  spines,  with  convex  outline ;  caudal  fin  gently  rounded ; 
anal  fin  rather  small,  the  second  and  third  spines  of  about  equal  length, 


440    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

approximately  24  ^e  length  of  the  longest  soft  rays,  the  outline  of  fin 
strongly  convex;  ventral  fins  narrow,  somewhat  shorter  than  the 
pectorals;  pectoral  fins  reaching  well  beyond  tips  of  ventrals,  1.25  to  1.4 
in  head. 

Color  in  life  nearly  black  above,  lower  parts  rusty  red;  sides  and 
back  everywhere  with  small  round  black  spots;  dorsal  and  caudal  dark 
at  base,  becoming  red  distally;  soft  part  of  dorsal  and  caudal  with 
pale  margins;  other  fins  bluish  red.  Some  of  our  specimens  are 
considerably  darker  than  others,  but  all  are  profusely  spotted  with  small, 
round,  black  dots. 

We  have  10  specimens,  ranging  in  length  from  127  to  190  mm. 
Our  specimens  are  probably  nearest  the  variety,  C.  fulvus  ruber,  of 
Jordan  and  coauthors.  The  species  is  not  abundant  on  the  coast  of 
Panama. 

Known  from  Florida  to  Brazil.  Our  specimens  are  from  Toro 
Point  and  Porto  Bello. 

322.  Cephalopholis  acanthistius  (Gilbert). 

Bodianus  acanthistius  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1891,  552  (Cape 

Lobos,  on  eastern  shore  of  Gulf  of  California)  ;  Jordan  &  Ever- 

mann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  1147. 

Head  2.45;  depth  2.7;  D.  IX,  17;  A.  Ill,  9;  scales  86. 

Body  elongate,  compressed ;  anterior  profile,  rather  strongly  convex ; 
head  moderate ;  the  snout  rather  short  and  blunt,  4.05  in  head ;  eye  large, 
4.05 ;  mouth  moderate,  oblique ;  lower  jaw  rather  strongly  projecting ; 
maxillary  broad,  reaching  vertical  from  posterior  margin  of  eye,  1.95 
in  head ;  teeth  all  pointed,  in  narrow  bands,  or  partly  in  2  series  laterally 
in  the  mandible,  a  pair  of  very  small,  fixed  canines  on  anterior  margin 
of  each  jaw;  preopercular  margin  serrate,  the  serrae  considerably 
enlarged  at  angle,  the  margin  without  evident  notch;  gill-rakers  rather 
slender,  the  longest  about  half  the  diameter  of  eye,  17  more  or  less 
developed  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch ;  scales  small,  very  weakly  ctenoid 
posteriorly,  becoming  smooth  on  anterior  part  of  body;  dorsal  spines 
slender,  the  third  and  fourth  the  longest,  notably  longer  than  the 
posterior  spines,  the  soft  dorsal  notably  higher  than  the  spines,  the 
median  rays  somewhat  produced,  making  the  outline  of  fin  strongly 
angulate;  caudal  fin  with  strongly  convex  margin;  anal  spines 
graduated,  the  second  one  notably  shorter  than  the  third,  the  soft  rays 
high,  with  slightly  angulate  margin ;  ventral  fins  rather  large,  the  outer 
rays  produced,  pointed ;  pectoral  fins  long,  round,  reaching  past  tips  of 
ventrals  to  opposite  origin  of  anal,  1.4  in  head. 


APRIL  15,  1925.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    441 

Color  in  alcohol  uniform  brown;  a  dark  stripe  at  sides  above 
maxillary;  fins  all  bluish  black. 

A  single  specimen,  172  mm.  in  length,  of  this  rare  species  occurs 
in  the  present  collection.  We  compared  this  specimen  with  the  type  of 
the  species  with  which  it  agrees  admirably,  although  much  smaller  than 
the  original. 

Previously  known  only  from  the  type  from  Cape  Lobos  on  the  east- 
ern shore  of  the  Gulf  of  California.  Our  specimen  is  from  the  Pan- 
ama City  market. 

126.  Genus  Petrometopon  Gill. 

Petrometopon  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1865,  105  (type  Sparus 

cruentatus  Lacepede). 

Body  oblong,  compressed ;  head  large,  acute ;  mouth  large,  oblique ; 
frontal  bones  with  an  anterior  groove  for  the  reception  of  the  posterior 
processes  of  the  premaxillaries ;  scales  small,  ctenoid,  more  or  less 
embedded  on  head  and  nape;  dorsal  with  9  spines;  anal  with  III,  8 
rays;  ventral  fins  inserted  a  little  behind  base  of  pectorals. 

KEY  TO  THE   SPECIES. 

a.  Lower  part  of  sides  of  head  and  body  and  the  lower  surface 
of  head,  chest  and  abdomen  with  more  or  less  distinct  dark 
red,  round  spots ;  no  blue  spots ;  sides  without  dark  bars ;  a 
small  black  spot  on  back  at  base  of  anterior  rays  of  soft 
dorsal.  cruentatus,  p.  441. 

aa.  Sides  with  from  8  to  10  more  or  less  distinct  dark  cross-bars; 
sides  of  head  with  more  or  less  distinct  bluish  spots,  these 
most  distinct  on  lips;  usually  a  black  blotch  behind  eye;  no 
dark  red  spots  present  on  lower  part  of  head  or  body. 

panamensis,  p.  443. 

323.  Petrometopon  cruentatus  (Lacepede). 

Sparus  cruentatus  Lacepede,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  IV,  1803,  157,  PI.  IV, 

fig.  i  (Martinique;  on  a  drawing  by  Plumier). 
Serranus  coronatus  Giinther,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus.,  I,  1859,  124. 
Serranus  apiarius  Poey,  Memorias,  II,  1860,  143  (Havana). 
Petrometopon  apiarius  Poey,  Syn.  Pise.  Cub.,  1868,  288. 
Enneacentrus  guttatus  Jordan  and  Swain,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1884, 

398. 

Bodianus  cruentatus  Jordan  &  Eigenmann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm., 
VIII,  1888  (1890),  378. 


442    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

Epinephelus  guttatus  Boulenger,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus.,  Ed.  II,  I,  1895, 
176. 

Petrometopon  cruentatus  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 
XLVII,  1896,  1141. 

Head  2.5  to  2.9;  depth  2.55  to  3.1;  D.  IX,  14;  A.  Ill,  8;  scales 
81  to  90. 

Body  oblong,  compressed;  dorsal  profile  evenly  rounded;  head 
rather  large,  compressed;  snout  acute,  3.2  to  4.25  in  head;  eye  4.85 
to  5.7;  mouth  large,  oblique;  lower  jaw  strongly  projecting;  maxillary 
broad,  extending  well  beyond  eye,  1.75  to  2  in  head;  teeth  all  sharply 
pointed,  in  narrow  bands  on  jaws,  vomer  and  palatines,  the  depressible 
teeth  in  the  jaws  long  and  slender,  especially  those  in  anterior  part 
of  upper  jaw;  anterior  margin  of  upper  jaw  with  a  pair  of  fixed, 
recurved  canines;  preopercular  margin  very  finely  serrate;  opercle 
with  3  flat  spines ;  gill-rakers  short,  9  or  10  on  lower  limb  of  first 
arch;  lateral  line  arched  anteriorly,  scarcely  confluent  with  dorsal  out- 
line; scales  small,  strongly  ctenoid,  those  on  head  and  nape  slightly 
imbedded;  dorsal  fin  long,  the  spines  strong,  graduated,  the  soft  part 
with  rounded  outline,  higher  than  the  spines;  caudal  round,  a  little 
more  than  half  the  length  of  head;  anal  fin  with  3  strong  spines,  the 
soft  part  similar  to  soft  dorsal ;  ventral  fins  moderate,  inserted  slightly 
behind  base  of  pectorals,  equidistant  from  tip  of  lower  jaw  and  middle 
of  base  of  anal;  pectoral  fins-  rather  long,  with  strongly  rounded 
margin,  1.2  to  1.65  in  head. 

Color  in  life  dark  brown  above  to  rusty  underneath;  lower  part 
of  sides  of  head  and  body  as  well  as  lower  surface  of  head,  chest 
and  abdomen  with  very  dark  red,  round  spots  which  vary  in  size, 
and  which  are  much  more  distinct  on  some  specimens  than  on  others; 
a  jet  black  spot  on  back  just  below  base  of  first  soft  rays  of  the 
dorsal,  usually  smaller  than  pupil ;  some  specimens  with  several  black 
spots  on  back  below  base  of  dorsal;  fins  all  very  dark.  In  those 
specimens  on  which  the  dark  red  spots  are  well  defined  they  are 
extended  on  the  fins,  in  others  the  fins  are  simply  plain,  dark  brown. 

The  present  collection  contains  18  specimens,  ranging  from  no 
to  208  mm.  in  length.  This  fish  lives  among  rocks  and  is  difficult  to 
capture  without  the  use  of  dynamite.  It  was  not  seen  in  the  market 
on  the  Isthmus.  In  Cuba  it  is  a  food  fish  of  some  importance. 

Known  from  Florida  south  to  Brazil.  Our  specimens  are  from 
Toro  Point,  Colon  and  Porto  Bello. 


APRIL  15,  1925.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    443 

324.  Petrometopon  panamensis  (Steindachner). 

Serranus    panamensis    Steindachner,     (Sitzb.    k.    Ak.    Wiss.   Wien, 

LXXII)  Ichth.  Beitr.,  IV,  1875,  i,  PI.  I,  fig.  i  (Panama). 
Enneacentrus  panamensis  Jordan  &  Swain,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

1884,  398. 
Bodianus  panamensis  Jordan  &  Eigenmann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm., 

VIII,  1888  (1890),  378. 
Efrineplielus  panamensis  Boulenger,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus.,  Ed.  II,  I, 

1895,  177- 
Petrometopon  panamensis  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

XLVII,  1896,  1141;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV, 

1904,  95  (Panama  Bay)  ;  Kendall  &  Radcliffe,  Memoir.  Mus.  Comp. 

Zool.,    XXXV,     1912,     107     (Panama,    Toboguilla    Island    and 

Acapulco) . 

Head  2.55  to  2.75;  depth  2.6  to  2.85;  D.  IX,  14;  A.  Ill,  8;  scales 
79  to  85. 

Body  oblong,  compressed ;  dorsal  profile  gently  rounded ;  head  large ; 
snout  acute,  3.4  to  4.5  in  head;  eye  4.5  to  5-75;  mouth  large;  lower 
jaw  strongly  projecting;  maxillary  reaching  well  beyond  eye,  1.8  to 
1.95  in  head;  teeth  all  strongly  pointed,  in  narrow  bands,  present  on 
jaws,  vomer  and  palatines,  the  depressible  teeth  in  the  jaws  enlarged, 
anterior  margin  of  upper  jaw  with  a  single  pair  of  fixed,  recurved 
canines ;  preopercular  margin  finely  serrate ;  opercle  with  3  flat  spines ; 
gill-rakers  short,  8  to  10  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch;  lateral  line 
arched,  nearly  confluent  with  the  outline  of  back;  scales  small,  finely 
serrate,  those  on  head  and  nape  more  or  less  imbedded;  dorsal  fin 
long,  the  spines  strong,  graduated,  the  soft  part  with  round  outline, 
higher  than  the  spines;  caudal  fin  round;  anal  with  3  strong  spines, 
the  soft  part  similar  to  that  of  the  dorsal;  ventral  fins  moderate, 
inserted  a  little  behind  base  of  pectorals,  about  equidistant  from  tip 
of  lower  jaw  and  middle  of  base  of  anal ;  pectorals  rather  long,  round, 
1.45  to  1.65  in  head. 

Color  in  life  very  dark  red ;  sides  with  about  10  dark  bars  which 
are  faint  on  upper  part  of  body ;  no  round  dark  spots ;  sides  of  head 
with  more  or  less  distinct  bluish  spots,  most  prominent  on  lips;  a 
dark  blotch  behind  eye  sometimes  present;  fins  usually  uniform 
dark  brown ;  the  dorsal  and  anal  occasionally  with  bluish  spots  at  base 
on  interradial  membranes ;  the  margins  of  fins  often  blue. 

This  species  is  represented  by  35  specimens,  ranging  from  46  to 
360  mm.  in  length.  It  lives  among  rocks  and  is  seldom  taken  in 
seines.  We  fail  to  find  any  structural  differences  between  this  species 


444    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

and  P.  cruentatus.     Most  specimens  can  be  readily  separated  by  the 
color,  but  in  others  even  this  is  difficult. 

Known  from  Acapulco  to  Panama.  Our  specimens  are  from 
Balboa  and  the  Panama  City  market. 

127.  Genus  Mycteroperca  Gill. 

Mycteroperca    Gill,    Proc.    Ac.    Nat.    Sci.    Phila.,    1862,    236    (type 

S  err  anus  olfax  Jenyns). 
Trisotropis  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1865,  104  (type  Johnius 

guttatus  Bloch  &  Schneider  =  Perca  venenosa  Linnseus). 

Body  elongate,  compressed ;  head  large,  more  or  less  pointed ;  mouth 
large,  lower  jaw  prominent. 

This  genus  superficially  differs  from  Epinephelus  principally  in  the 
longer  anal  fin,  there  being  usually  n  or  12  soft  rays. 

"The  skull  differs  from  that  of  Epinephelus  by  the  wider  interorbital 
area;  the  parallelism  and  continuation  of  the  lateral  crests  forward  to 
the  middle  of  the  orbits  inclosing  an  elongate  parallelogram,  the  surface 
of  which,  especially  between  the  orbits,  is  more  uniform ;  the  absence  of 
a  frontal  crest,  the  simple  curvature  or  straightness  of  the  naso-vomerine 
ridge,  the  absence  of  the  angle  at  the  suture  between  the  nasals  and  the 
vomer."  (Gill.) 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES. 

a.  Gill-rakers  numerous,  close  set,  about  53  on  the  lower  limb  of 
first  arch ;  outlines  of  soft  dorsal  and  anal  always  convex ;  color 
brownish;   sides  with  indistinct  reticulations   of   dark  around 
paler  areas.  ruber,  p.  445. 

aa.     Gill-rakers  fewer  in  number,  from  8  to  18  on  lower  limb  of 
first  arch. 

b.  Soft  dorsal  and  anal  with  convex  margins,  none  of  the  rays 
produced;  gill-rakers  8  to  n. 

c.  Gill-rakers  about  8;  scales  in  lateral  series  about  120;  general 
color  red  or  scarlet,  with  red  or  black  spots. 

venenosa  apua,  p.  446. 
cc.  Gill-rakers  10  or  n;  scales  in  lateral  series  104  to  115;  color 

brownish,  with  or  without  pale  reticulations.  bonaci,  p.  447. 
bb.  Soft  dorsal  and  anal  with  strongly  angulate  outlines,  some  of 

the  rays  being  produced;  gill-rakers  17  or  18. 

d.  Preopercular  margin  with  an  evident  notch  above  its  angle; 
color  brownish,  everywhere  with  oblong  blackish  blotches,  with 
reticulations  of  ground  color  between.  boulengeri,  p.  448. 


APRIL  15,  1925.    FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    445 

dd.     Preopercular  margin  without  evident  notch  above  its  angle; 
color  plain  dark  olivaceous.  xenarcha,  p.  449. 

325.  Mycteroperca  ruber  (Bloch). 

Epinephelus  ruber  Bloch,  Naturg.  Ausl.  Fische,  VII,   1793,  22,   PI. 

CCCXXXI  ("Japanese  seas"). 
Serranus  acutirostris  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.   Nat.  Poiss.,   II, 

1828,  286  (Brazil). 
Serranus  undulosus  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  II,  1828, 

295  (Brazil). 
Epinephelus  chalinius  Cope,  Trans.  Amer.   Philo.   Soc.   Phila.,  XIV, 

1871,  465  (St.  Martins). 
Mycteroperca  rubra  Jordan  &  Eigenmann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm., 

VIII,  1888  (1890),  372. 
Mycteroperca  ruber   Jordan   &   Evermann,   Bull.   U.    S.    Nat.   Mus., 

XLVII,  1896,  1180. 

Head.  2.7  to  2.9;  depth  2.9  to  3.05;  D.  XI,  16;  A.  Ill,  n  or  12; 
scales  96  to  115. 

Body  elongate,  rather  strongly  compressed;  anterior  profile  gently 
convex ;  head  rather  deep ;  snout  moderately  acute,  3.26  to  3.65  in  head ; 
eye  4.3  to  4.7;  mouth  large,  oblique;  lower  jaw  moderately  projecting; 
maxillary  scarcely  reaching  vertical  from  posterior  margin  of  eye,  2  to 
2.05  in  head ;  teeth  small,  pointed,  mostly  in  2  series  laterally  in  the 
jaws,  anteriorly  in  bands;  anterior  canines  very  small,  scarcely  differ- 
entiated; preopercular  margin  finely  serrate,  the  serrse  at  angle  a  little 
enlarged,  a  distinct  notch  above  angle;  gill-rakers  scarcely  exceeding 
the  length  of  pupil,  numerous,  about  33  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch; 
scales  small,  ctenoid,  becoming  smooth  in  advance  of  dorsal;  dorsal  fin 
without  notch,  the  second  spine  noticeably  shorter  than  the  third,  the 
third  and  fourth  spines  only  slightly  longer  than  the  posterior  ones, 
the  soft  portion  of  fins  higher  than  the  spines,  none  of  the  rays 
produced,  the  margin  convex;  caudal  fin  rounded;  anal  fin  with  3 
graduated  spines,  the  soft  part  higher  than  the  spines,  its  margin 
convex;  ventral  fins  a  little  shorter  than  the  pectorals;  pectoral  fins 
long,  with  round  margin,  1.45  to  1.6  in  head. 

Color  in  alcohol  brownish  above,  rather  pale  below;  sides  with 
indistinct  reticulations  of  dark  around  pale  areas;  lower  part  of  sides 
sometimes  with  more  or  less  distinct,  dark,  wavy,  longitudinal  lines ;  fins 
slightly  darker  than  the  body,  without  distinct  markings ;  ventrals  rather 
darker  than  the  other  fins. 


446    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

This  fish  is  represented  by  3  specimens,  ranging  from  113  to  125 
mm.  in  length.  This  species  appears  to  be  rare  on  the  coast  of  Panama. 
It  can  readily  be  separated  from  related  species  by  the  large  number 
of  gill-rakers. 

Known  from  the  Mediterranean  Sea  and  islands  of  the  eastern 
Atlantic,  and  on  the  American  shore  from  the  West  Indies  to  Brazil. 
Our  specimens  are  from  Porto  Bello. 

326.  Mycteroperca  venenosa  apua  (Bloch). 

Pirati  apia  Marcgrave,  Hist.  Nat.  Brasil,  1648,  158  (Brazil). 

Bonaci  cardenal  Parra,  Desc.  Piezas  de  Hist.  Nat.,  1787,  29,  PI.  XVI 

(Havana). 
Bodianus  apua  Bloch,  Naturg.  Ausl.  Fische,  IV,  1790,  50,  PI.  CCXXIX 

(Brazil). 

Johnius  guttatus  Bloch  &  Schneider,  Syst.  Ichth.,  1801,  77. 
Bodianus  tnarginatus  Bloch  &  Schneider,  Syst.  Ichth.,  1801,  331. 
Serranus  cardinalis  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  II,  1828, 

378. 
Serranus  rupestris  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  IX,  1833, 

437  (San  Domingo). 

Trisotropis  cardinalis  Poey,  Enumeratio,  1875,  13. 
Mycteroperca  vcnenosa  guttata  Jordan  &  Swain,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

1884,  375- 
Mycteroperca  venenosa  apua  Jordan  &  Eigenmann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish 

Comm.,  VIII,  1888  (1890),  370;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S. 

Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  1173. 

Head  2.66;  depth  3;  D.  XI,  16;  A.  Ill,  n  ;  scales  121. 

Body  rather  short  and  deep,  rather  strongly  compressed ;  anterior 
profile  rather  strongly  and  evenly  convex;  head  bluntish;  eye  small, 
5.5  in  head;  mouth  rather  large;  lower  jaw  moderately  projecting; 
maxillary  reaching  past  eye,  2.25  in  head;  teeth  moderate,  in  narrow 
bands,  both  jaws  with  2  moderate  anterior  canines;  preopercular  margin 
slightly  notched,  the  serrse  at  angle  slightly  enlarged ;  gill-rakers  rather 
few  and  short,  8  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch ;  scales  small,  chiefly  cycloid  ; 
dorsal  spines  rather  strong,  the  second  spine  as  long  as  the  tenth,  the 
third  and  fourth  highest ;  soft  dorsal  with  gently  convex  outline ;  caudal 
fin  slightly  concave,  the  outer  rays  a  little  the  longer;  anal  fin  high, 
with  convex  margin;  pectorals  about  reaching  tips  of  ventrals,  1.75 
in  head. 

Color  in  life,  of  an  example  750  mm.  in  length,  very  dark,  sparsely 
covered  with  round  spots  which  are  black  on  upper  parts  and  red  on 


APRIL  15,  1925.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    447 

belly;  pectorals  broadly  margined  with  orange-red,  otherwise  plain; 
soft  parts  of  vertical  fins  largely  black.  The  color  appears  to  vary 
from  dark  red  to  bright  red  and  grayish. 

This  fish  was  not  seen  by  us.  The  above  description  is  from 
published  records.  We  follow  Jordan  &  Eigenmann  in  using  the 
trinomial  designated  by  them. 

Known  from  Florida  to  Brazil.  Not  as  yet  recorded  from  the 
Isthmus  of  Panama. 

327.  Mycteroperca  bonaci  (Poey). 

Serranus  bonaci  Poey,  Memorias,  II,  1860,  129  (Cuba). 

Serranus  brunneus  Poey,  Memorias,  II,  1860,  131  (Havana). 

Serranus  arara   Poey,   Memorias,   II,    1860,    132    (not  of   Cuvier   & 

Valenciennes). 

Serranus  decimalis  Poey,  Memorias,  II,  1860,  138  (Cuba). 
Serranus  cyclopomatus  Poey,  Memorias,  II,  1861,  353  (Cuba). 
Serranus  latepictus  Poey,  Memorias,  II,  1861,  353  (Cuba). 
Trisotropis  aguaji  Poey,  Repertorio,  II,  1868,  229  (Havana). 
Trisotropis  bonaci  Poey,  Syn.  Pise.  Cub.,  1868,  283. 
Mycteroperca  bonaci  Jordan  &  Swain,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1884, 

370;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896, 

1174,  PI.  CLXXXVII,  fig.  492  (skull  only). 

Head  2.55  to  3.95;  depth  3  to  3.4;  D.  XI,  16  or  17;  A.  Ill,  11  or 
12;  scales  104  to  115. 

Body  elongate,  compressed;  anterior  profile  gently  convex;  head 
rather  low;  snout  acute,  3.2  to  4.2  in  head;  eye  4.2  to  6.35;  mouth 
large,  oblique ;  lower  jaw  strongly  projecting ;  maxillary  broad,  reaching 
to  or  a  little  beyond  posterior  margin  of  eye,  1.95  to  2.15  in  head; 
teeth  all  pointed,  present  in  jaws,  vomer  and  palatines,  those  in  jaws 
anteriorly  in  a  band,  laterally  mostly  in  2  series,  a  pair  of  anterior 
canines  in  each  jaw,  those  of  the  lower  very  small ;  nostrils  rather  close 
together,  subequal;  preopercular  margin  finely  serrate,  the  serrae  at 
the  angle  scarcely  enlarged,  a  rather  distinct  notch  above  angle; 
gill-rakers  rather  few,  the  longest  not  much  more  than  half  the  diameter 
of  eye,  10  or  u  more  or  less  developed  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch ;  scales 
small,  finely  ctenoid,  becoming  smooth  anteriorly;  dorsal  fin  long, 
continuous,  without  notch,  the  second  spine  not  much  shorter  than  the 
third,  the  soft  portion  notably  higher  than  the  spines,  none  of  the  rays 
produced,  its  margin  convex  at  all  ages;  caudal  fin  rounded  in  young, 
slightly  emarginate  in  adult,  the  upper  rays  slightly  produced,  forming 
an  acute  angle,  the  lower  lobe  round;  anal  fin  with  3  moderate, 


448    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

graduated  spines,  the  soft  rays  rather  high,  none  of  the  rays  produced, 
with  convex  margin  at  all  ages;  ventral  fins  moderate,  a  little  shorter 
than  the  pectorals;  pectoral  fins  reaching  tips  of  ventrals,  1.55  to  1.95 
in  head. 

Color  in  alcohol  dark  brown ;  the  young  with  pale  reticulations  which 
are  much  more  pronounced  on  some  specimens  than  on  others,  the 
adults  are  uniform  dark  brown.  The  pectoral  fins  are  somewhat  paler 
than  the  body  and  are  often  marked  with  pale  spots  which  sometimes 
form  cross-bars.  The  other  fins  are  all  darker  than  the  body,  and  are 
narrowly  margined  with  white;  the  soft  dorsal  sometimes  with  a  pale 
stripe  on  the  median  part  of  the  rays. 

This  fish  is  represented  by  31  specimens,  ranging  from  65  to  460 
mm.  in  length.  It  is  rather  common  and  is  of  some  importance  as  a 
food  fish  on  the  Atlantic  coast  of  Panama. 

Known  from  Florida  to  Brazil.  Our  specimens  are  from  Toro 
Point,  Colon,  and  Porto  Bello. 

328.  Mycteroperca  boulengeri  Jordan  &  Starks. 

Mycteroperca  boulengeri  Jordan  &  Starks,  in  Jordan,  Proc.  Cal.  Ac. 

Sci.,  2nd  Ser.,  V,  1895,  445,  PI.  XXXVIII  (Mazatlan) ;  Jordan  & 

Evermann,    Bull.    U.    S.    Nat.    Mus.,    XLVII,    1896,    1171,    PI. 

CLXXXVII,  fig.  490;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV, 

1904,  97. 

Head  2.8;  depth  2.9;  D.  XI,  16;  A.  Ill,  n ;  scales  108. 

Body  elongate,  moderately  compressed;  anterior  profile  gently 
convex;  head  rather  low;  snout  moderately  acute,  3.5  in  head;  eye  5.9; 
mouth  moderate,  oblique;  lower  jaw  rather  strongly  projecting; 
maxillary  reaching  vertical  from  posterior  margin  of  pupil,  2.05  in 
head;  teeth  all  pointed,  those  on  lower  jaw  at  sides  mostly  in  2  series, 
elsewhere  in  narrow  bands ;  upper  jaw  with  i  or  2  well  developed  canines 
anteriorly,  those  of  the  lower  jaw  very  small,  scarcely  differentiated; 
preopercular  margin  finely  serrate,  the  serrae  at  angle  slightly  enlarged, 
very  slight  evidence  of  a  notch  above  the  angle;  gill-rakers  about  y\ 
the  diameter  of  eye,  17  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch;  scales  small,  ctenoid 
posteriorly,  becoming  smooth  in  advance  of  dorsal;  dorsal  fin  long, 
without  notch,  the  third  and  fourth  spines  a  little  longer  than  the 
posterior  ones ;  the  ninth  and  tenth  rays  of  soft  dorsal  produced,  form- 
ing an  acute  angle ;  caudal  fin  slightly  emarginate,  the  upper  rays  a  little 
produced;  anal  fin  with  3  graduated  spines,  the  median  rays  produced, 
forming  a  sharp  angle ;  ventral  fins  nearly  as  long  aSj  the  pectorals ;  pec- 
toral fins  long,  round,  failing  to  reach  tips  of  ventrals,  1.63  in  head. 


APRIL  15,  1925.    FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    449 

Color  in  alcohol  brownish,  everywhere  with  oblong  black  markings 
between  which  the  ground  color  forms  reticulations;  a  blackish  blotch 
on  each  side  behind  maxillary;  fins  darker  than  the  body;  the  vertical 
fins  with  indications  of  irregular  dark  markings. 

A  single  specimen,  272  mm.  long,  was  taken.  The  species  appears 
to  be  rare  at  Panama.  Our  specimen  was  taken  in  a  tide  stream  several 
miles  inland. 

Known  from  Mazatlan  to  Panama.    Our  specimen  is  from  Corozal. 

329.  Mycteroperca  xenarcha  Jordan. 

Mycteroperca  xenarcha  Jordan,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1887  (1888), 

387  (James  Island,  Galapagos)  ;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S. 

Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  1180. 

Epinephelus  xenarchus  Boulenger,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus.,  Ed.  II,  I, 
1895,  266. 

"Head  2^ ;  depth  3 ;  eye  small,  7  in  head.  D.  XI,  16;  A.  Ill,  11 ; 
scales  25-110  to  115-50. 

"Body  rather  deep  and  compressed;  head  compressed,  with  rather 
short,  sharp  snout,  which  is  4  in  head ;  profile  steep  and  nearly  straight ; 
mouth  large,  the  maxillary  reaching  scarcely  beyond  eye,  2  in  head; 
lower  canines  small;  upper  canines  (2  in  number)  strong,  scarcely 
directed  forward ;  preorbital  narrow,  y$  width  of  eye ;  interorbital  area 
convex,  its  width  4^  in  head;  nostrils  small,  the  posterior  scarcely 
the  larger,  separated  from  the  anterior  by  one  diameter;  angle  of 
preopercle  scarcely  salient  but  provided  with  coarser  teeth;  a  rather 
sharp  notch  above  it;  opercular  spine  flat  and  divided  into  about  6 
teeth  at  the  end;  gill-rakers  moderate,  g-\-iS;  scales  moderate, 
scarcely  ctenoid;  dorsal  spines  low,  the  outline  of  the  spinous  dorsal 
gently  convex,  the  fourth  spine  longest,  3  in  head;  soft  dorsal  high, 
its  outline  angular,  the  tenth  ray  produced,  i^  in  head;  anal  fin 
formed  as  in  Mycteroperca  falcata,  its  seventh  ray  produced  and 
falcate,  ij4  in  head,  its  posterior  outline  concave;  caudal  subtrun- 
cate,  the  outer  slightly  produced ;  pectoral  I  Y$  in  head.  Color  in  spir- 
its plain  dark  olivaceous,  the  edges  of  the  fins  scarcely  darker."  (Jor- 
dan &  Evermann.) 

This  fish  was  not  seen  by  us.  From  published  accounts  it  appears 
to  be  closely  related  to  M .  boulengeri. 

Recorded  from  rocky  islands  on  the  Pacific  coast  of  Mexico,  the 
Galapagos  Islands  and  from  Payta,  Peru.  Not  as  yet  taken  on  the 
coast  of  Panama. 


450    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

128.  Genus  Promicrops  Poey. 

Promicrops  Poey,  Syn.  Pise.  Cub.,  1868,  287   (type  Serranus  guasa 

Poey). 
Itaiara  Vaillant  &  Bocourt,  Miss.  Sci.  Mex.,  etc.,  Pt.  IV,   1878,  70 

(type  Serranus  itaiara  Lichtenstein=Pm:a  guttata  Linnaeus). 

Body  elongate,  rather  robust;  cranium  broad  and  depressed  be- 
tween the  eyes;  upper  profile  of  head  more  or  less  concave;  scales 
small,  about  100  or  more  in  a  lateral  series,  those  of  the  lateral  line 
each  with  4  to  6  radiating  ridges;  dorsal  spines  low,  XI,  15  or  16 
rays  present;  anal  III,  8;  ventral  fins  inserted  a  little  behind  base  of 
pectorals. 

A  single  species,  reaching  a  very  large  size,  is  known. 

330.  Promicrops  itaiara  (Lichtenstein). 

Serranus   itaiara    Lichtenstein,    Abh.    Ak.    Wiss.    Berlin,    1821,    278 

(Brazil). 
Serranus  galeus  Miiller  &  Troschel,  in  Schomburgk,  Reisen  in  Brit. 

Guiana,  III,  1848,  621 ;  Gunther,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus.,  I,  1859,  130. 
Serranus  guasa  Poey,  Memorias,  II,  1860,  141,  354,  Tab.  13,  fig.  8 

(Cuba). 
Serranus  quinquefasciatus  Bocourt,  Ann.  Sci.  Nat.,  5  ser.,  X,   1868, 

223  (Nagualate,  Pacific  coast  of  Guatemala). 
Epinephelus  quinquefasciatus  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm., 

II,  1882  (1883),  106,  no,  112. 
Promicrops  guasa  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.   Nat.   Mus.,  XVI, 

1883,  542. 
Epinephelus  galeus  Jordan,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1883  (1884), 

285. 
Epinephelus  itaiara  Jordan,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1884,  124;  Bou- 

lenger,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus.,  Ed.  II,  I,  1895,  252. 
Promicrops  itaiara  Jordan  &  Swain,  Proc.  U.   S.  Nat.  Mus.,   1884, 

377;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1900, 

3197. 
Promicrops  guttatus  Jordan  &  Eigenmann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm., 

VIII,  1888   (1890),  363;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat. 

Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  1162,  &  1900,  3197,  PI.  CLXXXV,  figs.  487, 

487a,  487b;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  96 

(Panama). 

Head  2.4  to  2.75;  depth  2.85  to  3.4;  D.  XI,  15  or  16;  A.  Ill,  8; 
scales  about  100  to  120. 


APRIL  15,  1925.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    451 

Body  elongate,  compressed,  becoming  more  robust  with  age;  pro- 
file over  head  straight  or  slightly  concave;  head  large,  quite  broad  in 
adult,  narrower  in  young;  interorbital  area  broad,  its  width  nearly 
equal  to  length  of  snout ;  snout  acute  in  young,  broader  in  adult,  3.75 
to  5  in  head ;  eye  3.4  to  8.2 ;  mouth  large,  oblique,  the  lower  jaw  pro- 
jecting; maxillary  reaching  to  or  beyond  vertical  from  posterior  mar- 
gin of  eye,  1.85  to  2.2  in  head;  teeth  all  pointed,  in  bands,  present  on 
jaws,  vomer  and  palatines;  the  depressible  teeth  in  upper  jaw  scarcely 
enlarged ;  usually  2  pairs  of  small  fixed  canines  on  anterior  margin  of 
upper  jaw;  preopercular  margin  finely  serrate,  no  antrorse  spine; 
opercle  with  3  hidden  spines;  gill-rakers  rather  short,  9  or  10  more 
or  less  developed  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch;  scales  small,  ctenoid; 
dorsal  fin  long,  the  spines  strong,  increasing  in  length  to  the  third, 
the  others  of  about  equal  length,  the  soft  part  higher,  with  convex 
margin;  caudal  fin  round,  about  as  long  as  postorbital  part  of  head 
and  half  the  eye;  anal  fin  with  3  strong  graduated  spines,  the  longest 
soft  rays  more  than  2  times  the  length  of  the  longest  spine;  ventral 
fins  rather  small,  inserted  slightly  behind  base  of  pectorals;  pectoral 
fins  moderate,  broadly  rounded,  1.5  to  1.75  in  head. 

Color  of  a  fresh  specimen,  555  mm.  long,  nearly  uniform  dark 
brown,  lower  parts  lighter  brown  to  rusty ;  head  and  back  with  small 
dark  spots;  anal  and  ventrals  blue-black,  the  other  fins  brown  with 
black  spots.  Color  of  fresh  specimen,  160  mm.  long,  back  and  sides 
dark  brown,  lower  parts  paler  brown  with  a  shade  of  green;  head 
and  body  with  large  black  spots ;  sides  with  4  or  5  dark  cross  bands ; 
fins  all  spotted  with  black,  the  ventrals  very  dark,  the  other  fins  oliva- 
ceous. The  number  and  intensity  of  the  black  spots  vary  on  differ- 
ent individuals.  In  some  specimens  the  dark  spots  on  lower  surface 
of  head  and  abdomen  are  replaced  by  orange  spots  or  blotches.  A 
very  small  specimen,  38  mm.  in  length,  has  no  trace  of  cross-bars,  the 
entire  body  being  profusely  spotted  with  black. 

We  have  8  specimens,  ranging  in  length  from  38  to  555  mm.  One 
of  these  is  from  the  Pacific  and  the  others  are  from  the  Atlantic.  A 
large  individual,  weighing  probably  about  100  pounds,  was  captured 
in  Mindi  Cut  on  the  Atlantic  side  of  the  Isthmus,  but  was  not  pre- 
served. Some  of  our  small  specimens  were  taken  from  tide  pools. 
Our  single  Pacific  coast  specimen  was  taken  in  a  tide  stream. 

Known  from  both  coasts  of  tropical  America.  Our  Atlantic  speci- 
mens are  from  Mindi  Cut  and  Colon,  the  Pacific  coast  specimen  is 
from  Balboa. 


452    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

129.  Genus  Epinephelus  Bloch. 

Epinephelus  Bloch,  Naturg.  Ausl.  Fische,  VII,  1793,  n   (type  Epine- 
phelus marginalis  T$\och=Perca  fasciata  Forskal). 
Cerna  Bonaparte,  Icon.  Fauna  Ital.,  Pesce,  III,  1837,  fasc.  10  (type 

Per ca  gigas  Briinmch—Labrus  guaza  Linnaeus). 
Cynichthys  Swainson,  Nat.  Hist.  &  Class.  Fish.,  II,  1839,  201   (type 

Perca  flava-purpurea   Bennett=Holocentrus   flavo-caruleus   Lace- 

pede). 
Cromileptes  Swainson,  Nat.  Hist.  &  Class.  Fish.,  II,  1839,  201   (type 

Serranus  altivelis  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes). 
Hyporthodus  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1861,  98  (type  Hypor- 

thodus  flavicauda  G\\\=Serranus  niveatus  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes). 
Schistorus  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1862,  237  (type  Serranus 

mystacinus  Poey). 
Labroperca  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1862,  236  (type  Serranus 

labriformis  Jenyns). 
Priacanthichthys  Day,  Proc.  Zool.  Soc.  London,  1868,  193  (type  Pria- 

canthichthys  maderaspatensis  Da.y=:Epinephelus  latifasciatus  Tem- 

mick  &  Schlegel). 
Hyposerranus  Klunzinger,  Fische  des  Rothen  Meeres,  1884,  3   (type 

Serranus  morrhua  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes). 

Body  stout,  compressed;  head  rather  large,  pointed;  mouth  large; 
maxillary  broad,  with  a  well  developed  supplemental  bone;  teeth  in 
bands  on  the  jaws,  vomer  and  palatines;  one  or  both  jaws  anteriorly 
with  one  or  two  pairs  of  fixed  canines;  teeth  behind  outer  series  de- 
pressible;  preopercular  margin  posteriorly  serrate,  its  lower  limb  en- 
tire, without  distinct  antrorse  hooks;  gill-rakers  rather  short  and  in 
moderate  numbers;  lateral  line  complete;  scales  small,  ctenoid;  dorsal 
spines  n,  occasionally  10,  not  filamentous;  the  soft  parts  of  vertical 
fins  usually  scaly ;  caudal  fin  round  or  slightly  emarginate ;  anal  fin  with 
3  spines  and  7  to  9  soft  rays;  ventral  fins  inserted  a  little  behind  base 
of  pectorals. 

"Cranium  narrow  above.  Parietal  crests  not  produced  on  frontals 
which  are  without  transverse  ridge  posteriorly ;  f  rentals  with  a  process 
or  knob  on  each  side  behind  interorbital  area ;  premaxillary  processes 
fitting  into  a  notch  or  cavity  on  the  anterior  end  of  the  frontals." 
(Jordan  &  Evermann). 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES. 

a.       Head  compressed;  interorbital  area  rather  narrow,  usually  less 
than  diameter  of  eye. 


APRIL  15,  1925.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    453 

b.  Dorsal  spines  normally  10;  color  light  brown,  everywhere  with 
large  round  dark  spots,  extended  on  fins.  analogus,  p.  454. 

bb.     Dorsal  spines  normally  n. 

c.  Second  dorsal  spine  nearly  as  long  as  the  third,  the  posterior 
spines  not  noticeably  reduced  in  length;  caudal  fin  with  straight 
or  concave  margin;  color  nearly  uniform  brownish;  sides  with 
indistinct  pale  blotches ;  several  well  defined  dark  dots  about  the 
eye.  morio,  p.  455. 

cc.  Second  dorsal  spine  notably  shorter  than  the  third,  the  pos- 
terior spines  more  or  less  reduced  in  length ;  caudal  fin  rounded. 

d.  The  posterior  nostril  notably  larger  than  the  anterior;  some  of 
the   serrae  at  angle   of   preopercular   margin   recurved;   color 
brownish;  sides  with  about  8  dark  bars,  obscure  in  preserved 
specimens;  cheek  with  3  dark  bands.  mystacinus,  p.  455. 

dd.  Nostrils  subequal;  no  recurved  spines  at  angle  of  preopercular 
margin. 

e.  Scales  wanting  on  maxillary ;  color  in  alcohol  dark  brown,  every- 
where with  large  round  dark  spots  extending  on  fins. 

adscensionis,  p.  456. 
ee.     Maxillary  more  or  less  scaly ;  spots  on  body  smaller  or  wanting. 

f.  Anal  rays  III,  9;  dorsal  XI,  14  or  15;  body  with  whitish  spots, 
arranged  in  vertical  and  horizontal  series,  none  on  breast;  no 
cross-bars;  saddle-like  black  blotch  on  caudal  peduncle  very 
large,  extending  to  below  lateral  line  on  sides. 

niveatus,  p.  458. 

ff.  Anal  rays  III,  8;  dorsal  XI,  16  or  17;  saddle-like  blotch  on 
caudal  peduncle  smaller,  failing  to  reach  lateral  line ;  cross-bars 
obscure  or  wanting. 

g.  Scales  moderate,  94  to  98  in  lateral  series ;  no  cross-bars ;  lower 
parts  spotted  with  white,  spots  most  distinct  on  lower  surface 
of  head ;  fins  all  with  narrow  white  margins ;  no  dark  spots  about 
the  eyes.  labriformis,  p.  459. 

gg.  Scales  smaller,  100  to  120  in  lateral  series;  sides  with  more  or 
less  distinct  cross-bars. 

h.  The  soft  part  of  dorsal  notably  higher  than  the  spines;  sides 
with  5  or  6  dark  cross-bars;  no  red  spots;  eye  surrounded  by 
distinct  dark  dots.  striatus,  p.  460. 

hh.  The  soft  portion  of  the  dorsal  lower  than  the  longest  spines; 
sides  with  3  or  4  slightly  darker  shades  or  bands;  body  pro- 
fusely covered  with  small  round  red  spots ;  no  dark  spots  about 
the  eye.  guttatus,  p.  461. 


454    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

aa.  Head  broad;  interorbital  area  notably  wider  than  eye,  4  to  6  in 
head ;  maxillary  scaly ;  scales  86  to  1 10 ;  dorsal  fin  rather  deeply 
notched,  the  spines  indifferently  10  or  n ;  color  brown  or  bluish 
black,  uniform  or  with  a  few  light  spots.  nigritus,  p.  462. 

331.  Epinephelus  analogus  Gill. 

Epinephelus   analogus   Gill,    Proc.   Ac.    Nat.    Sci.    Phila.,    1863,    163 

(Panama)  ;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII, 

1896,  1152;  Boulenger,  Boll.  Mus.  Zool.  Anat.  Torino,  XIV,  No. 

346,  1899,  2  (Gulf  of  Panama)  ;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal. 

Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  96  (Panama  Bay)  ;  Kendall  &  Radcliffe,  Memoir. 

Mus.  Comp.  Zool.,  XXXV,  1912,  107  (Panama). 
Serranus  courtadei  Bocourt,  Ann.  Sci.  Nat.,  5  ser.,  X,  1868,  222  (La 

Union,  San  Salvador). 
Serranus  analogus  Steindachner,  (Sitzb.  k.  Ak.  Wiss.  Wien,  LXXII) 

Ichth.  Beitr.,  IV,  1875,  5  (Panama  Bay). 

Head  2.6  to  2.85;  depth  2.8  to  3.25;  D.  X,  16  to  18;  A.  Ill,  8; 
scales  about  100  to  120. 

Body  elongate,  rather  slender;  profile  notably  convex  over  eyes; 
head  rather  low  and  long;  snout  moderate,  3.65  to  4.9  in  head ;  eye  4.35 
to  5.1;  mouth  large,  oblique;  lower  jaw  little  projecting;  maxillary  to 
or  past  vertical  from  posterior  margin  of  eye,  1.95  to  2.1  in  head; 
teeth  all  pointed,  in  bands,  present  on  jaws,  vomer  and  palatines ;  a  pair 
of  small,  fixed  canines  present  on  anterior  margin  of  each  jaw;  pre- 
opercular  margin  finely  serrate,  the  serrae  at  angle  a  little  enlarged; 
gill-rakers  moderate,  16  to  18  more  or  less  developed  on  lower  limb  of 
first  arch;  scales  very  small,  ctenoid,  present  on  maxillaries;  dorsal 
fin  long,  continuous,  the  second  spine  somewhat  shorter  than  the  third, 
of  about  the  same  length  as  the  posterior  spines,  the  third  and  fourth 
spines  the  longest,  the  soft  portion  of  fin  a  little  higher  than  the  spinous 
part;  caudal  fin  round;  anal  fin  with  3  strong  spines,  the  second  and 
third  of  about  equal  length;  ventral  fins  rather  small,  inserted  just  be- 
hind base  of  pectorals ;  pectoral  fins  round,  reaching  to  or  a  little  past 
tips  of  ventrals,  1.7  to  1.85  in  head. 

Color  light  brown;  body  everywhere  with  round  dark  spots,  which 
are  smallest  on  head;  young  with  5  or  6  dark  cross-bars;  fins  rather 
darker  than  the  body,  with  numerous  black  spots,  somewhat  smaller 
than  those  on  body. 

We  have  40  specimens,  ranging  from  53  to  267  mm.  in  length. 
This  is  one  of  the  important  food  fishes  on  the  Pacific  coast  of  Panama. 

Known  from  the  Pacific  coast  of  Mexico  south  to  the  Galapagos  and 
Revillagigedo  islands.  Our  specimens  are  from  Balboa  and  Panama. 


APRIL  15,  1925.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    455 

332.  Epinephelus  morio  (Cuvier  &  Valenciennes). 

Serranus  morio  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  II,  1828,  285 

(New  York  and  San  Domingo). 
Serranus  erythrogaster  De  Kay,  Fauna  N.  Y.,  Fishes,  1842,  21,  PI. 

XIX,  fig.  52  (Florida). 

Serranus  remotus  Poey,  Memorias,  II,  1860,  140  (Havana). 
Epinephelus  morio  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XVI,  1883. 

540;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896, 

1160,  PI.  CLXXXIV,  fig.  485. 

Head  2.55  to  2.75;  depth  2.6  to  2.8;  D.  XI,  16;  A.  Ill,  8  or  9; 
scales  about  130  to  140. 

Body  elongate,  rather  strongly  compressed;  profile  nearly  straight 
over  eyes;  head  moderate;  snout  slightly  acute,  3.4  to  4  in  head;  eye 

3.8  to  4.5;  mouth  moderate,  oblique;  lower  jaw  not  strongly  project- 
ing ;  maxillary  reaching  about  to  vertical  from  posterior  margin  of  eye, 

1.9  to  2  in  head;  teeth  in  narrow  bands,  present  on  jaws,  vomer  and 
palatines,  each  jaw  with  an  anterior  pair  of  fixed  canines,  those  of  the 
tower  jaw  very  small ;  preopercular  margin  serrate,  the  serrse  at  angle 
somewhat  enlarged;  gill-rakers  rather  short,   13  or   14  more  or  less 
developed  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch;  scales  very  small,  ctenoid,  not 
embedded  on  head,  present  on  maxillary;  dorsal  fin  long,  continuous, 
the  second  spine  nearly  as  long  as  the  third,  the  posterior  spine  not 
reduced,  the  soft  portion  not  much  higher  than  the  spines;  caudal  fin 
with  the  posterior  margin  straight  or  slightly  concave;  anal  fin  with  3 
graduated  spines,  the  second  spine  not  much  shorter  than  the  third; 
ventral  fins  moderate,  inserted  slightly  behind  base  of  pectorals;  pec- 
torals rounded,  reaching  a  little  beyond  tip  of  ventrals,  1.4  to  1.6  in  head. 

Color  brownish,  without  distinct  markings,  except  for  well  defined 
dark  dots  about  the  eye ;  sides  with  more  or  less  distinct  paler  blotches, 
and  sometimes  with  obscure  dark  blotches  along  back ;  a  very  indistinct 
black  saddle-like  blotch  on  caudal  peduncle ;  pectoral  fins  pale,  the  other 
fins  colored  like  the  body,  all  narrowly  edged  with  white. 

This  species  is  not  very  abundant  on  the  coast  of  Panama,  but  it  is 
occasionally  seen  in  the  market.  We  have  4  specimens,  ranging  from 
145  to  200  mm.  in  length. 

Known  from  Massachusetts  south  to  Brazil.  Our  specimens  are 
from  Colon. 

333.  Epinephelus  mystacinus  (Poey). 

Serranus  mystacinus  Poey,  Memorias,  I,  1851,  52,  PI.  X,  fig.  I  (Cuba). 
Schistorus  mystacinus  Poey,  Repertorio,  1868,  154. 


456    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

Epinephehts  mystacinus  Jordan  &  Swain,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1884, 

383;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896, 

1151 ;  Fowler,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1917,  132  (Colon). 

Head  3.4;  depth  2.9;  D.  XI,  15;  A.  Ill,  9;  scales  about  120. 

Body  oblong,  rather  deep,  compressed ;  anterior  profile  convex  and 
not  steep ;  head  large ;  snout  obtuse ;  eye  large,  4.5  in  head ;  mouth  mod- 
erate; lower  jaw  projecting;  maxillary  reaching  under  posterior  margin 
of  eye,  2.25  in  head;  teeth  strong,  those  in  lower  jaw  mostly  in  2  series, 
those  in  upper  jaw  in  a  band ;  anterior  canines  small,  those  of  the  upper 
jaw  shorter  than  the  depressible  teeth,  those  of  the  lower  jaw  scarcely 
differentiated;  posterior  nostril  larger  than  the  anterior,  nearly  round; 
preopercular  margin  rather  strongly  serrate,  not  emarginate,  the  serrse 
at  angle  considerably  enlarged,  some  of  the  lower  ones  usually  recurved ; 
gill-rakers  short  and  thick,  about  15  more  or  less  developed  on  lower 
limb  of  first  arch;  scales  rather  small,  mostly  ctenoid,  none  on  max- 
illary; dorsal  spines  rather  strong  and  high,  the  first  spine  nearly  half 
the  length  of  the  second,  the  latter  considerably  higher  than  the  tenth, 
the  third  spine  longest,  second  fourth,  fifth  and  sixth  but  little  shorter, 
soft  dorsal  rather  high ;  caudal  fin  rounded ;  anal  rounded,  second  anal 
spine  as  long  as  the  third  but  stronger;  ventrals  rather  long;  pectoral 
fins  reaching  slightly  beyond  tips  of  ventrals,  1.66  in  head. 

Color  in  life  dull  olive  brown  to  grayish  brown ;  sides  with  8  darker 
bars,  the  one  on  caudal  peduncle  broadest  and  darkest  on  upper  sur- 
face of  tail;  cheeks  with  3  dark  bands;  dorsal  dull  olive,  the  bands  of 
the  sides  extending  on  the  scaly  parts ;  caudal  and  anal  dull  olive ;  ven- 
trals blackish;  pectorals  light  olive  brown.  The  bars  on  sides  and 
cheeks  become  faint  in  spirits. 

This  fish  was  not  seen  by  us.  The  above  description  is  compiled 
from  published  accounts  and  is  here  included  because  the  range  of  the 
species  brings  it  within  the  scope  of  present  work. 

Known  from  the  West  Indies  to  Brazil. 

334.  Epinephelus  adscensionis  (Osbeck). 

Trachinus  adscensionis  Osbeck,  Reise  Ost. — Ind.  China,  Ed.  II,  1765* 

388  (Ascension  Island). 

Trachinus  punctatus  Bonnaterre,  Tableau  Encyclo.,  Ichth.,  VI,  1788,  46. 
Perca  stellio  Walbaum,  Artedi  Piscium,  Pt.  Ill,  1792,  349. 
Holocentrus  punctatus   Bloch,    Naturg.   Ausl.   Fische,   IV,    1790,   88, 

PI.  CCXLI. 
Perca  maculata  Bloch,  Naturg.  Ausl.  Fische,  VI,  1792,  92,  PI.  CCCIII 

(Antilles). 


APRIL  15,  1925.    FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    457 

Trachinus  osbeck  Lacepede,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  II,  1800,  364. 

Sparus  atlanticus  Lacepede,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  IV,  1803,  156,  PI.  V, 

fig.  i  (Martinique). 
Serranus  nigriculus   Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,    Hist.    Nat.    Poiss.,    II, 

1828,  375  (Martinique). 
Serranus  pixanga  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  II,  1828, 

383. 
Serranus  aspersus  Jenyns,  Zool.  Voy.  Beagle,  Fishes,  1842,  6  (Porto 

Praya,  St.  Jago,  of  the  Cape  Verde  Islands). 

Serranus  impetiginosus  Miiller  &  Troschel,  in  Schomburgk,  Hist.  Bar- 
bados, 1848,  665  (Barbadoes). 
Serranus  maculatus  Peters,  Monatsb.  k.  Ak.  Wiss.  Berlin,  1865  (1866), 

109. 
Serranus  varius  Bocourt,  Ann.  Sci.  Nat.,  5  ser.,  X,  1868,  222  (Gulf 

coast  of  Mexico). 

Epinephelus  punctatus  Poey,  Enumeratio,  1875,  16. 
Epinephelus  atlanticus  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XVI, 

1883,  918  &  973. 
Epinephelus  ascensionis  Jordan  &  Swain,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1884, 

391- 
Epinephelus  aspersus  Jordan  &  Eigenmann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.. 

VIII,  1888  (1890),  358. 
Epinephelus  adscensionis  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

XLVII,  1896,  1152,  PL  CLXXXII,  fig.  482. 

Head  2.65;  depth  3;  D.  XI,  17;  A.  Ill,  8;  scales  91. 

Body  elongate,  compressed ;  profile  nearly  straight  over  eyes ; 
head  long  and  low;  snout  acute,  3.95  in  head;  eye  4.8;  mouth  large, 
oblique;  lower  jaw  strongly  projecting;  maxillary  reaching  a  little 
beyond  eye,  1.95  in  head;  teeth  in  bands,  present  on  jaws,  vomer  and 
palatines,  a  pair  of  fixed  canines  present  on  anterior  margin  of  each 
jaw;  preopercular  margin  finely  serrate,  the  serrae  at  angle  scarcely 
enlarged;  gill-rakers  short,  16  more  or  less  developed  on  lower  limb 
of  first  arch ;  scales  moderate,  ctenoid,  partly  embedded  in  advance  of 
dorsal  and  on  head,  wanting  on  maxillary;  dorsal  fin  long,  the  second 
spine  much  shorter  than  the  third,  the  third  or  fourth  the  longest,  the 
posterior  ones  slightly  reduced  in  length,  the  soft  portion  higher  than 
the  spines ;  caudal  fin  round ;  anal  fin  with  3  strong  spines,  the  second 
and  third  spines  of  about  equal  length;  ventral  fins  rather  small,  in- 
serted slightly  behind  the  base  of  the  pectorals;  pectoral  fins  broadly 
rounded,  reaching  a  little  beyond  tip  of  ventrals,  1.8  in  head. 


458    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

Color  in  alcohol  very  dark  brown  above,  lighter  brown  below; 
everywhere  with  large  round  dark  spots  which  become  very  obscure 
on  upper  portion  of  sides  and  head ;  a  saddle-like  black  blotch  present 
on  caudal  peduncle.  Fins  colored  like  the  body,  all  with  a  pale  mar- 
gin; base  of  dorsal  and  anal  with  white  spots  which  are  partly  on  the 
fins  and  partly  on  the  body.  The  dark  spots  are  more  or  less  distinctly 
visible  on  all  of  the  fins  except  the  dorsal. 

This  fish  is  represented  by  a  single  specimen  333  mm.  in  length. 

Known  from  southern  Florida  south  to  Brazil.  Also  recorded 
from  the  African  shore.  Our  specimen  was  taken  at  Porto  Bello. 

335.  Epinephelus  niveatus  (Cuvier  &  Valenciennes). 

Serranus  niveatus  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes-,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  II,  1828, 

380  (Brazil). 
Serranus  margaritifer  Giinther,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus.,  I,   1859,  131 

(South  America). 

Serranus  conspersus  Poey,  Memorias,  II,  1860,  139  (Cuba). 
Hyporthodus  ftavicauda  Gill,   Proc.  Ac.   Nat.   Sci.   Phila.,    1861,  98 

(Newport,  Rhode  Island;  young). 
Epinephelus  niveatus  Poey,  Syn.  Pise.  Cub.,   1868,  286;  Boulenger, 

Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus.,  Ed.  II,  I,  1895,  225,  PI.  Ill,  fig.  B ;  Jordan 

&  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  1156. 

Head  2.33;  depth  2.9;  D.  XI,  rarely  X,  14  or  15;  A.  Ill,  9;  scales 
about  115  to  1 20. 

Body  oblong,  compressed;  anterior  profile  a  little  convex;  snout 
short,  rather  acute,  3.75  in  head ;  eye  rather  large ;  mouth  large ;  lower 
jaw  rather  strongly  projecting;  maxillary  reaching  vertical  from  pos- 
terior margin  of  eye,  2  in  head ;  opercular  margin  serrate,  the  serrse  at 
angle  enlarged,  with  slight  emargination  above  angle;  gill-rakers  mod- 
erate, about  15  more  or  less  developed  on  lower  arm  of  first  arch;  scales 
rather  small;  dorsal  spines  rather  high,  the  fourth  2.6  in  head;  soft 
dorsal  of  moderate  height;  caudal  fin  truncate;  anal  moderate,  second 
spine  as  long  as  third,  2.7  in  head ;  ventrals  nearly  as  long  as  pectorals ; 
pectoral  fins  not  reaching  to  tips  of  ventrals,  1.9  in  head. 

Color  of  young  brown ;  body  with  round  whitish  spots  rather  smaller 
than  the  pupil,  regularly  arranged  in  vertical  and  horizontal  series, 
about  5  in  horizontal  and  4  in  vertical  series,  these  rows  sometimes 
showing  irregularities;  no  distinct  spots  on  breast;  a  very  large  black 
blotch  on  upper  surface  of  caudal  peduncle,  extending  to  below  lateral 
line  on  sides;  fins  nearly  plain;  dorsal  with  a  median  row  of  round 
dusky  spots  on  membranes. 


APRIL  15,  1925.    FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    459 

This  fish  was  not  seen  by  us.  The  above  description  is  compiled 
from  published  accounts,  and  is  here  included  because  the  range  of 
the  species  places  it  within  the  scope  of  the  present  work. 

Known  from  the  West  Indies  to  Brazil. 

336.  Epinephelus  labriformis  (Jenyns). 

Serranus  labriformis  Jenyns,  Zool.  Voy.  Beagle,  Fishes,  1842,  8,  PI.  Ill 

(Galapagos  Islands)  ;  Giinther,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus.,  I,  1859,  152. 
Epinephelus  sellicauda  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1862,  250  (Cape 

San  Lucas). 
Epinephelus  ordinatus  Cope,  Trans.  Amer.  Philo.  Soc.  Phila.,  XIV, 

1871,  466  (Panama). 
Serranus  sellicauda  Steindachner,  (Sitzb.  k.  Ak.  Wiss.  Wien,  LXXII) 

Ichth.  Beitr.,  IV,  1875,  5  (Panama). 
Epinephelus  labriformis  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

XLVII,  1896,  1155;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV, 

1904,  96  (Panama  Bay)  ;  Kendall  &  Radcliffe,  Memoir.  Mus.  Comp. 

Zool.,  XXXV,  1912,  108  (Acapulco;  Panama;  Toboguilla,  Perico 

and  Chatham  islands). 

Head  2.4  to  2.8;  depth  2.7  to  3;  D.  XI,  rarely  X,  16  or  17;  A.  Ill, 
8 ;  scales  about  94  to  98. 

Body  rather  deep,  compressed;  profile  over  eyes  gently  convex; 
head  large ;  snout  acute,  3.5  to  4.7  in  head ;  eye  4.2  to  5.1 ;  mouth  large, 
oblique;  lower  jaw  moderately  projecting;  maxillary  reaching  to  or  past 
vertical  from  posterior  margin  of  eye,  1.9  to  2.1  in  head;  teeth  all 
pointed,  in  bands,  present  on  jaws,  vomer  and  palatines ;  a  pair  of  small 
fixed  canines  present  on  anterior  margin  of  each  jaw;  preopercular 
margin  serrate,  the  serrae  at  angle  slightly  enlarged;  gill-rakers  short, 
14  to  16  more  or  less  developed  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch;  scales 
moderate,  ctenoid,  imbedded  on  head,  present  on  maxillaries ;  dorsal  fin 
continuous,  the  second  spine  notably  shorter  than  the  third,  the  third 
and  fourth  the  longest,  the  posterior  spines  considerably  shorter,  the 
soft  portion  somewhat  higher  than  the  spines ;  caudal  fin  slightly  round ; 
anal  fin  with  3  rather  short  strong  spines,  the  second  and  third  of  about 
equal  length;  ventral  fins  moderate,  inserted  just  behind  base  of  pec- 
torals; pectoral  fins  rather  large,  rounded,  reaching  to  or  slightly  past 
rips  of  ventrals,  1.5  to  1.8  in  head. 

Color  dark  brown ;  lower  parts  spotted  with  white,  these  spots  most 
distinct  and  best  defined  on  lower  surface  of  head;  a  dark  blotch  on 
upper  surface  of  caudal  peduncle  present;  fins  colored  like  the  body, 
all  with  narrow  white  margins;  the  white  spots  of  body  continued  on 


460    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

pectorals,  ventrals,  anal  and  caudal,  much  more  distinct  in  some  speci- 
mens than  others,  occasionally  wholly  wanting. 

This  fish  is  represented  by  29  specimens,  ranging  in  length  from  50 
to  378  mm.  This  is  one  of  the  important  food  fishes  in  the  Panama 
market. 

Known  from  Acapulco,  Mexico,  south  to  the  coast  of  Peru.  Our 
specimens  are  from  Taboga  Island,  Balboa  and  Panama. 

337.  Epinephelus  striaius  (Bloch). 

Anthias   striatus    Bloch,    Naturg.   Ausl.    Fische,    VI,    1792,    92,    PI. 

CCCXXIV  (Atlantic  Ocean;  based  on  a  figure  by  Plumier). 
Anthias  cherna  Bloch  &  Schneider,  Syst.  Ichth.,  1801,  310  (Cuba). 
Sparus   chrysomelanus   Lacepede,   Hist.    Nat.   Poiss.,    IV,    1803,    160 

(Martinique). 
Serranus  striatus  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  II,  1828, 

288. 
Epinephelus  striatus  Jordan  &  Eigenmann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm., 

VIII,   1888  (1890),  356;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.   S.  Nat. 

Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  1157,  PI.  CLXXXIII,  fig.  483;  Fowler,  Proc. 

Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1917,  132  (Colon). 

Head  2.6  to  2.8;  depth  2.7  to  2.9;  D.  XI,  rarely  XII,  16  or  17; 
A.  Ill,  8;  scales  about  100  to  112. 

Body  elongate,  compressed ;  profile  over  eyes  slightly  convex ;  head 
rather  deep;  snout  acute,  3.45  to  4.5  in  head;  eye  3.8  to  5;  mouth 
large,  oblique,  the  lower  jaw  not  very  strongly  projecting;  maxillary 
reaching  nearly  or  quite  to  vertical  from  posterior  margin  of  eye,  2  to 
2.2  in  head ;  teeth  in  bands,  present  on  jaws,  vomer  and  palatines ;  an- 
terior canines  small,  present  only  in  upper  jaw ;  preopercular  margin 
finely  serrate,  the  serrae  at  angle  scarcely  enlarged;  gill-rakers  short, 
15  or  1 6  more  or  less  developed  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch;  scales  small, 
ctenoid,  present  on  maxillary;  dorsal  fin  continuous,  the  second  spine 
only  a  little  shorter  than  the  third,  longer  than  the  posterior  spines,  the 
soft  portion  notably  higher  than  the  spines;  caudal  fin  with  gently 
rounded  margin;  anal  fin  with  3  strong  spines,  the  second  one  not 
much  shorter  than  the  third ;  ventral  fins  moderate,  inserted  a  little  be- 
hind base  of  pectorals;  pectoral  fins  round,  reaching  to  or  slightly 
beyond  tips  of  ventrals,  1.4  to  1.55  in  head. 

Color  dark  brownish  above,  paler  below ;  sides  with  5  or  6  indistinct 
dark  cross  bars ;  a  very  distinct  black  blotch  on  upper  surface  of  caudal 
peduncle;  black  dots  present  about  eye;  sides  of  head  sometimes  with 
obscure  dark  stripes,  the  one  running  from  eye  to  upper  angle  of  gill- 


APRIL  15,  1925.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    461 

opening  visible  in  all  specimens  at  hand;  fins  all  dark  gray  or  brown 
at  base,  more  or  less  clouded,  the  distal  parts  paler. 

This  species  is  represented  by  1 1  specimens,  ranging  from  40  to  257 
mm.  in  length.  It  is  not  abundant,  but  is  occasionally  seen  in  the  mar- 
ket. No  large  individuals  were  seen. 

Known  from  North  Carolina  south  to  Brazil.  Our  specimens  are 
from  Colon  and  Porto  Bello. 

338.  Epinephelus  guttatus  (Linnaeus). 

Perca  guttata  Linnaeus,  Syst.  Nat.,  Ed.  X,  1758,  292  (Brazil?). 

Serranus  catus  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  II,  1828,  373 

(Martinique). 
Serranus  arara  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  II,  1828,  377 

(Havana). 
Serranus  lunulatus  Cuvier  &  Valenciennts,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  II,  1828, 

378  (Havana;  after  Parra). 
Serranus  angustifrons  Steindachner,  Verh.  Zool.-Bot.  Ges.  Wein,  XIV, 

1864,  230,  PI.  VII,  figs.  2  &  3  (Cuba). 
Epinephelus  cubanus  Poey,  Repertorio,  1867,  202  (Cuba). 
Epinephelus  lunulatus  Poey,  Syn.  Pise.  Cub.,  1868,  286. 
Epinephelus  guttatus  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XVI, 

1883,  919;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII, 

1900,  3197;  Evermann  &  Marsh,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  XX, 

Part  i,  1900  (1902),  153,  PI.  XIII  (Porto  Rico). 
Epinephelus  apua  Jordan  &  Swain,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1884,  389. 
Dermatolepis  angustifrons  Jordan   &   Eigenmann,   Bull.   U.    S.   Fish 

Comm.,  VIII,  1888  (1890),  375. 
Epinephelus  catus  Jordan  &  Eigenmann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  VIII, 

1888  (1890),  355. 
Epinephelus  maculosus  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

XLVII,  1896,  1158,  &  1900,  3197. 

Head  2.5 ;  depth  3.33 ;  D.  XI,  16;  A.  Ill,  8;  scales  about  100  to  120. 

Body  rather  slender,  moderately  compressed ;  anterior  profile  evenly 
and  gently  convex ;  head  rather  long ;  snout  acute,  4.3  in  head ;  eye  4.3 ; 
mouth  not  very  large;  lower  jaw  little  projecting;  maxillary  reaching 
below  posterior  margin  of  eye,  2.33  in  head;  teeth  rather  strong,  both 
jaws  with  2  moderate,  curved  canines,  those  in  the  upper  jaw  largest; 
preopercular  margin  serrate,  the  serrse  at  angle  enlarged,  a  slight 
emargination  above  angle;  gill-rakers  slender,  longer  than  gill-fringes, 
15  to  17  more  or  less  developed  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch;  scales 
moderate,  rather  strongly  ctenoid;  dorsal  spines  rather  slender,  the 


462    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

second  spine  considerably  higher  than  the  tenth,  the  third  and  fourth 
longest,  the  soft  rays  lower  than  the  highest  spines;  caudal  fin  round; 
anal  fin  rather  high,  the  second  anal  spine  somewhat  stronger  than  the 
third  and  rather  longer;  ventrals  short;  pectorals  rather  narrow,  reach- 
ing past  tips  of  ventrals,  1.66  in  head. 

Color  in  life  yellowish  olive  above,  whitish  below;  three  broad, 
oblique,  obscure  bands  of  olive  running  upward  and  backward  on  sides ; 
spots  on  body  vivid  scarlet  red,  those  above  a  little  darker,  the  edges 
of  scales  brown;  belly  spotted;  dorsal  olive  yellow,  somewhat  clouded, 
a  few  red  spots  on  spinous  dorsal ;  soft  dorsal  broadly  edged  with  black ; 
caudal  yellowish,  the  posterior  half  black,  its  edge  white;  anal  like  soft 
dorsal;  ventrals  red,  blackish  at  tips;  pectorals  light  yellow,  with  rows 
of  scarlet  spots.  The  olive  bands  on  sides  disappear  in  spirits,  and  the 
red  spots  above  become  brown,  those  below  gray. 

This  fish  was  not  seen  by  us.  The  above  description  was  compiled 
from  published  records,  and  is  here  included  because  the  range  of  the 
species  places  it  within  the  scope  of  the  present  work. 

Known  from  South  Carolina  to  Brazil.  Common  in  the  West 
Indies. 

339.  Epinephelus  nigritus  (Holbrook). 

Serranus  nigritus  Holbrook,  Ichth.  South  Carolina,  Ed.  I,  1855,  173,  PI. 

XXV,  fig.  2  (Charleston). 

Centropristis  merus  Poey,  Syn.  Pise.  Cub.,  1868,  288  (Cuba). 
Cerna  sicana   Doderlein,   Giorn.   Sci.   Nat.   Palermo,   XVI,    1882,  82 

(Palermo). 
Epinephelus  nigritus  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XVI, 

1883,  540;  Boulenger,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus.,  Ed.  II,  I,  1895,  238. 
Epinephelus  merus  Jordan  &  Eigenmann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm., 

VIII,  1888  (1890),  362. 
Garrupa  nigrita  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII, 

1896,  1161. 

Head  2.5;  depth  2.2  to  3;  D.  X  or  XI,  14  or  15;  A.  Ill,  9;  scales 
86  to  no. 

Body  very  robust ;  head  broad ;  eye  small,  6  to  8  in  head ;  interorbital 
broad,  4  to  6  in  head;  mouth  large;  lower  jaw  projecting;  maxillary 
scaly,  reaching  beyond  eye,  2  in  head;  teeth  in  broad  bands;  canines 
strong,  but  growing  smaller  with  age;  preopercular  margin  rounded, 
with  enlarged  serrae  at  angle,  the  lower  one  usually  directed  downward ; 
gill-rakers  very  short  and  thick,  the  longest  not  twice  as  long  as  broad, 
12  to  14  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch;  scales  ciliated;  dorsal  fin  notched, 


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APRIL  15,  1925.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    463 

the  second,  or  second  and  third,  spines  longest,  2  or  3  in  head ;  caudal 
fin  rounded;  second  anal  spine  shorter  than  the  third,  6  in  head. 

Color  brown  or  bluish  black,  uniform  or  with  a  few  light  spots, 
the  lower  parts  scarcely  paler ;  a  dark  streak  above  maxillary ;  the  distal 
part  of  vertical  fins  darker. 

This  fish  was  not  seen  by  us,  but  it  is  widely  distributed  and  may 
be  expected  on  the  Atlantic  coast  of  Panama.  It  reaches  a  large  size, 
a  length  of  2  meters  and  a  weight  of  500  pounds  having  been  reported. 
The  above  description  was  compiled  from  published  accounts  of  the 
species. 

Known  from  South  Carolina  to  Brazil  and  the  Mediterranean. 

130.  Genus  Alphestes  Bloch  &  Schneider. 

Alphestes  Bloch  &  Schneider,  Syst.  Ichth.,  1801,  236  (type  Alphestes 

afcr  Bloch  &  Schneider). 
Prospinus  Poey,  Memorias,  II,  1861,  388  (type  Plectropoma  chlorop- 

terum  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes). 

Body  oblong,  compressed ;  frontal  bones  with  an  excavation  for  the 
reception  of  the  posterior  processes  of  the  premaxillaries ;  a  strong 
antrorse  spine  present  at  lower  posterior  angle  of  preopercle;  dorsal 
rays  XI,  17  to  20;  anal  III,  9;  ventral  fins  inserted  a  little  behind  base 
of  pectorals. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES. 

a.  Color  dark  brown,  sides  clouded  with  dark  blotches;  no  well 
defined  dark  spots;  a  dark  stripe  from  eye  to  upper  angle  of 
gill-opening;  pectoral  fins  nearly  uniform  brownish,  without 
dark  bars;  anterior  profile  slightly  concave  behind  eyes;  gill- 
rakers  short,  not  more  than  y2  the  length  of  gill-filaments. 

afer,  p.  463. 

aa.  Color  dark  brown,  head  and  body  densely  covered  with  round 
dark  spots,  forming  longitudinal  stripes  posteriorly;  no  black 
stripe  back  of  eye;  pectoral  fins  with  about  5  dark  cross-bars; 
anterior  profile  gently  convex;  gill-rakers  slightly  longer,  about 
2/z  the  length  of  gill-filaments.  multignttatus,  p.  464. 

340.  Alphestes  afer  (Bloch).     (Plate  XLIII.) 

Epinephelns  afer  Bloch,   Naturg.  Ausl.   Fische,   VII,    1793,    12,   PI. 

CCCXXVII  (Acara,  Guinea). 
Alphestes  afer  Bloch  &  Schneider,  Syst.  Ichth.,  1801,  236;  Jordan  & 

Evermann,    Bull.    U.    S.    Nat.    Mus.,    XLVII,    1896,    1164,    PI. 

CLXXXVI,  figs.  488,  4883. 


464    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

Plectropoma  chloropterum  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss., 

II,  1828,  398  (San  Domingo;  Martinique). 
Plectropoma  monacanthus  Miiller  &  Troschel,  in  Schomburgk,  Hist. 

Barbados,  1848,  665. 
Prospinus  chloropterus  Poey,  Syn.  Pise.  Cub.,  1868,  289. 

Head  2.95;  depth  2.7;  D.  XI,  18;  A.  Ill,  9;  scales  about  80. 

Body  oblong,  compressed;  dorsal  profile  slightly  concave  from  eyes 
to  dorsal;  head  rather  long  and  low;  snout  moderately  acute,  4.65  in 
head;  eye  4.3;  mouth  moderate,  oblique,  lower  jaw  projecting;  maxil- 
lary scarcely  reaching  vertical  from  posterior  margin  of  eye,  2.07  in 
head;  teeth  all  pointed,  in  narrow  bands,  present  on  jaws,  vomer  and 
palatines ;  the  depressible  teeth  in  anterior  part  of  upper  jaw  only  slightly 
enlarged;  the  anterior  pair  of  fixed  canines  in  upper  jaw  extremely 
small;  preopercular  margin  finely  serrate,  the  antrorse  spine  at  lower 
angle  short  and  strong ;  opercle  with  3  flat  spines,  all  except  the  middle 
one  hidden  in  the  skin ;  gill-rakers  short,  the  longest  not  over  half  the 
length  of  the  gill-fringes,  15  more  or  less  developed  on  lower  limb  of 
first  arch;  scales  small,  finely  ctenoid,  those  on  head  and  nape  appar- 
ently more  exposed  than  in  A  multiguttatus ;  dorsal  fin  long,  the  spines 
strong,  increasing  in  length  to  the  third,  the  others  of  about  equal 
length,  the  soft  part  higher  than  the  spines,  with  broadly  rounded  out- 
line, the  longest  rays  equal  in  length  to  postorbital  part  of  head ;  caudal 
fin  round ;  anal  fin  with  3  strong  spines,  the  second  one  failing  to  reach 
the  tip  of  the  third  when  deflexed;  ventral  fins  moderate,  failing  to 
reach  vent,  inserted  slightly  behind  base  of  pectorals,  about  equidistant 
from  tip  of  lower  jaw  and  middle  of  base  of  anal ;  pectorals  moderate, 
round,  1.43  in  head. 

Color  in  alcohol  dark  brown  above,  somewhat  paler  below;  sides 
with  indistinct  dark  blotches;  lower  parts  with  lighter  areas;  no  dis- 
tinct spots  anywhere ;  a  dark  stripe  extending  from  eye  to  upper  angle 
of  gill-opening;  fins  brownish,  the  ventral  fins  darkest,  with  pale 
blotches,  the  vertical  fins  with  indefinite  dark  markings. 

This  species  appears  to  be  rare  on  the  coast  of  Panama.  A  single 
specimen,  205  mm.  long,  was  seined  from  Fox  Bay,  Colon. 

Known  from  the  West  Indies  to  Brazil;  also  recorded  from  the 
Falkland  Islands.  Our  specimen  is  from  Colon. 

341.  Alphestes  multiguttatus  (Giinther).     (Plate  XLIV.) 
Plectropoma  multiguttatum  Giinther,  Proc.  Zool.  Soc.  London,  1866, 

600  (Panama). 
Plectropoma  afrum  Giinther,  Trans.  Zool.  Soc.  London,  VI,  1869,  411, 

PI.  LXVII,  fig.  3  (Panama;  not  of  Bloch). 


APRIL  15,  1925.    FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    465 

Epinephelus  multiguttatus  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

1882,  625;  Boulenger,  Boll.  Mus.  Zool.  Anat.  Torino,  XIV,  No. 

346,  1899,  2  (Gulf  of  Panama). 
Alphestes  multiguttatus  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm., 

II,  1882  (1883),  107,  no;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat. 

Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  1165;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci., 

IV,  1904,  96  (Panama  Bay)  ;  Fowler,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila., 

1916,  409  (Panama). 

Head  2.6  to  2.85 ;  depth  2.6  to  3.05 ;  D.  XI,  18  to  20 ;  A.  Ill,  9 ; 
scales  about  70  to  80. 

Body  oblong,  compressed;  dorsal  profile  anteriorly  gently  convex; 
head  long,  rather  low ;  snout  acute,  4.75  to  5.3  in  head ;  eye  3.7  to  4.65 ; 
mouth  large,  oblique;  lower  jaw  strongly  projecting;  maxillary  extend- 
ing a  little  beyond  eye  in  adult,  not  quite  so  far  back  in  young,  2.05  to 
2.2  in  head ;  teeth  all  pointed,  in  narrow  bands,  present  on  jaws,  vomer 
and  palatines;  the  movable  teeth  in  anterior  part  of  upper  jaw  only 
slightly  enlarged,  a  pair  of  short  fixed  canines  on  margin  of  jaw  in 
advance  of  the  depressible  teeth;  preopercular  margin  finely  serrate, 
with  a  well  developed  antrorse  spine  at  its  lower  posterior  angle  in 
adult,  young  with  bifurcate  spine  at  angle,  the  anterior  fork  developing 
into  the  antrorse  spine  of  the  adult;  opercle  with  3  flat  spines;  gill- 
rakers  of  moderate  length,  the  longest  about  2/$  the  length  of  gill- 
fringes,  13  to  15  on  lower  limb  of  anterior  arch;  scales  small,  ctenoid, 
difficult  to  enumerate,  those  on  head  and  nape  more  or  less  embedded; 
dorsal  fin  long,  the  spines  increasing  in  length  from  the  first  to  the 
third,  the  others  of  about  equal  length  or  decreasing  slightly  in  length 
posteriorly,  the  soft  part  higher  than  the  spines,  with  convex  margin, 
the  longest  ray  a  little  shorter  than  postorbital  part  of  head ;  caudal  fin 
round ;  anal  with  3  strong  spines,  the  second  rarely  reaching  the  tip  of 
the  third  when  deflexed ;  ventral  fins  rather  small,  failing  to  reach  vent 
in  adult,  to  or  past  vent  in  very  young,  inserted  slightly  behind  base  of 
pectorals,  about  equidistant  from  the  tip  of  lower  jaw  and  middle  of 
base  of  anal;  pectorals  moderate,  outline  round,  the  lower  rays  the 
shortest,  1.35  to  1.65  in  head. 

Color  dark  brown ;  head  and  body  densely  covered  with  round  dark 
spots,  often  arranged  so  as  to  form  more  or  less  distinct  rows  of  stripes 
on  caudal  peduncle ;  lower  parts  of  head  and  body  usually  without  spots ; 
young  with  fewer  spots,  mostly  confined  to  head,  the  rest  of  body  with 
wavy  longitudinal  streaks.  Pectoral  fins  yellowish,  with  about  5  dark 
cross-bands;  the  other  fins  usually  plain  olive  or  brown,  rarely  with 
a  few  indistinct  spots ;  caudal  with  a  very  narrow  pale  margin. 


466    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

The  Panama  collection  contains  94  specimens,  ranging  from  45  to 
255  mm.  in  length.  This  fish  is  common  about  the  rocky  shores  of 
the  small  islands  in  Panama  Bay.  The  young  are  frequently  taken  in 
tide  pools.  It  is  often  seen  in  the  market  and  is  of  some  importance  as 
a  food  fish.  This  species  may  be  distinguished  from  A.  afer  by  the 
color,  the  general  contour  of  the  body  and  the  slightly  longer  gill-rakers. 

Known  from  Mazatlan  to  Lobos  de  Afuera,  Peru.  Our  specimens 
are  from  Naos  Island,  Balboa  and  Panama. 

131.  Genus  Paralabrax  Girard. 

Paralabrax  Girard,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1856,  131  (type  Labrax 

nebulifer  Girard). 
Atractoperca  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1861,  164  (type  Labrax 

dathratus  Girard). 
Gonioperca  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1862,  236  (type  Serranus 

albomaculatus  Jenyns)  .• 

Body  robust ;  mouth  large ;  small  lateral  canines  present,  no  depres- 
sible  teeth;  preopercle  with  posterior  margin  serrate,  the  lower  limb 
entire ;  scales  small,  ctenoid ;  some  of  the  anterior  dorsal  spines  consid- 
erably elevated;  dorsal  rays  usually  X,  14;  anal  III,  7;  caudal  fin  always 
lunate;  ventral  fins  inserted  a  little  behind  base  of  pectorals. 

One  species  of  this  genus  of  food  fishes  has  been  recorded  from  the 
Pacific  coast  of  Panama. 

342.  Paralabrax  humeralis  (Cuvier  &  Valenciennes). 

Serranus  humeralis  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  II,  1828, 

246  (Chile). 
Serranus  albomaculatus  Jenyns,  Zool.  Voy.  Beagle,  Fishes,  1842,  3,  PI. 

II   (Galapagos  Archipelago)  ;  Steindachner,   (Sitzb.  k.  Ak.  Wiss. 

Wein,  LXXII)  Ichth.  Beitr.,  IV,  1875,  4,  PL  I,  fig.  2  (Panama). 
Serranus  semifasciatus  Guichenot,  in  Gay,  Hist.   Fisc.   Polit.   Chile, 

Zool.,  II,  1848,  151,  PI.  I  bis.,  fig.  2  (Juan  Fernandez). 
Percichthys  godeffroyi  Giinther,  Jour.  Mus.  Godeffroy,  I,  Pt.  II,  1873, 

97  (Iquique,  Peru). 
Paralabrax  albomaculatus  Jordan  &  Bollman,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

1889,  181. 
Paralabrax  humeralis  Jordan  &  Eigenmann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm., 

VIII,  1888   (1890),  389;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat. 

Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  1196,  PI.  CXC,  fig.  499  (skull  only). 


APRIL  15,  1925.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    467 

Head  2.6  to  3.25;  depth  3.25  to  4;  D.  X,  13  or  14;  A.  Ill,  7;  scales 
85  to  100. 

Body  rather  robust,  compressed ;  anterior  profile  nearly  straight  over 
eyes;  head  moderate;  snout  acute,  3.15  in  head;  eye  5  to  6;  mouth 
moderate ;  lower  jaw  projecting ;  maxillary  reaching  to  or  a  little  beyond 
vertical  from  middle  of  eye,  2.33  in  head;  canines  small  or  wanting; 
preopercular  margin  finely  serrate,  the  serrae  at  angle  somewhat  en- 
larged; gill-rakers  long,  18  or  19  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch;  scales 
small,  ctenoid;  dorsal  fin  rather  deeply  notched,  the  second  spine  not 
more  than  half  the  length  of  the  third,  the  third  and  fourth  the  longest ; 
caudal  fin  rather  deeply  emarginate ;  anal  fin  short,  the  second  and  third 
spines  of  about  equal  length;  ventrals  inserted  slightly  behind  base  of 
pectorals,  shorter  than  pectorals;  pectoral  fin  rounded,  1.5  to  1.66  in 
head. 

Color  dark  above,  paler  below ;  sometimes  with  small  light  spots  on 
head  and  sides,  and  with  traces  of  dark  cross-bars;  fins  dusky,  pec- 
torals lighter,  sometimes  with  faint  mottlings.  Some  specimens  have  a 
lateral  series  of  rather  large  light  spots. 

This  species  was  not  seen  by  us.  It  was  once  recorded  from  Pan- 
ama Bay  by  Steindachner,  but  has  not  been  seen  by  recent  investigators. 
The  above  description  is  compiled  from  published  accounts. 

Known  from  Panama  to  Peru. 

132.  Genus  Hypoplectrus  Gill. 

Hypoplectrus  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1862,  236  (type  Plec- 

tropoma  puella  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes). 

Body  deeper  and  more  compressed  than  in  allied  genera;  head 
rather  short,  tapering;  mouth  moderate;  the  maxillary  not  reaching 
beyond  eye;  the  lower  margin  of  preopercle  distinctly  serrate;  scales 
moderate,  ctenoid;  dorsal  fin  with  10  spines;  caudal  fin  more  or  less 
emarginate;  anal  fin  with  3  spines  and  7  or  8  soft  rays;  ventral  fins 
inserted  a  little  behind  base  of  pectorals. 

KEY  TO  THE   SPECIES. 

a.  Scales  rather  large,  42  to  45  in  lateral  series ;  gill-rakers  short, 
about  8  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch ;  outline  of  soft  dorsal  an- 
gulate  in  adult.  lamprurus,  p.  468. 

aa.  Scales  smaller,  about  69  in  lateral  series;  gill-rakers  longer, 
about  ii  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch;  outline  of  soft  dorsal 
convex.  unicolor,  p.  469. 


468    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

343.  Hypoplectrus  lamprums  (Jordan  &  Gilbert).     (Plate  XLV.) 
Serranus  lamprurus  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  I,  1881 
(1882),  322  (Panama  Bay). 

Hypoplectrus  lamprurus  Jordan,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1885,  376; 
Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  1190. 

Head  2.6;  depth  2.1  to  2.6;  D.  X,  14;  A.  Ill,  8;  scales  42  to  45. 

Body  rather  short  and  deep;  anterior  profile  rather  steep,  slightly 
concave  over  eyes ;  head  moderate ;  snout  acute,  3  to  3.7  in  head ;  eye 
3.25  to  3.55 ;  mouth  moderate,  a  little  oblique ;  lower  jaw  scarcely  pro- 
jecting; maxillary  scarcely  reaching  opposite  middle  of  eye,  2.25  to 
2.5  in  head;  teeth  all  pointed,  in  bands  on  jaws,  vomer  and  palatines; 
anterior  margin  of  each  jaw  with  several  enlarged  teeth,  the  upper 
one  with  a  distinct  pair  of  canines;  preopercular  margin  finely  ser- 
rate, the  serrae  at  angle  scarcely  enlarged,  a  slight  notch  above  angle; 
opercle  with  a  broad  flat  point,  no  distinct  spines ;  gill-rakers  short  and 
slender,  about  8  more  or  less  developed  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch; 
scales  rather  large,  strongly  ctenoid;  dorsal  fin  continuous,  the  spines 
strong,  the  third  and  fourth  spines  the  longest,  a  little  longer  than 
the  posterior  spines,  the  soft  part  short,  slightly  angulate  in  our 
largest  specimen ;  caudal  fin  slightly  emarginate ;  anal  fin  with  3  strong 
spines,  the  second  and  third  of  about  equal  length,  the  soft  part  higher, 
with  convex  margin;  ventral  fins  long,  equal  to  length  of  pectorals; 
pectoral  fins  rather  short,  pointed,  1.44  to  1.6  in  head. 

Color  of  our  largest  specimen,  85  mm.  long,  dark  brown;  faint 
dark  stripes  along  the  rows  of  scales ;  2  pearly  lines  back  of  eye 
and  scattered  pearly  spots  on  nape  and  sides;  dorsal  fin  black  at 
base,  distal  parts  of  soft  dorsal  pale;  caudal  fin  black  at  base,  then 
abruptly  yellowish ;  anal  and  ventrals  mostly  black ;  pectoral  fins  plain 
translucent.  Smaller  specimens,  38  to  50  mm.  long,  are  paler  and 
have  2  dark  stripes  back  of  eye  and  no  pearly  stripes  or  spots;  the 
fins  are  all  translucent.  Very  young  of  25  mm.  and  less  in  length 
are  slightly  paler  and  have  6  distinct  pale  cross-bars  on  sides. 

We  have  12  specimens  at  hand,  ranging  from  20  to  85  mm.  in 
length.  The  largest  one  was  taken  by  us  and  the  others  were  sent 
by  Mr.  Robert  Tweedlie.  These  appear  to  be  the  only  specimens 
known  besides  the  type.  The  serrations  on  lower  limb  of  preopercle 
are  very  distinct  even  in  the  young  of  20  mm. 

Recorded  only  from  the  Pacific  coast  of  Panama.  The  specimens 
at  hand  are  from  Chame  Point. 


APRIL  15,  1925.    FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    469 

344.  Hypoplectrus  unicolor  (Walbaum). 

Perca  unicolor  Walbaum,  Artedi  Piscium,  Pt.  Ill,  1792,  352  (locality 

unknown). 

Holocentrus  unicolor  Bloch  &  Schneider,  Syst.  Ichth.,  1801,  322. 
Serranus  unicolor  Boulenger,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus.,  Ed.  II,  I,  1895,  299. 
Hypoplectrus  unicolor  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

XLVII,  1896,  1190. 

Head  2.7;  depth  2.05;  D.  X,  15;  A.  Ill,  7;  scales  69. 

Body  short  and  deep;  anterior  profile  steep,  gently  concave  over 
eyes;  head  moderate;  snout  pointed,  3.2  in  head;  eye  3.65;  mouth 
moderate,  oblique;  lower  jaw  slightly  projecting;  maxillary  reaching 
opposite  middle  of  eye,  2.05  in  head ;  teeth  pointed,  in  bands,  the  an- 
terior teeth  in  outer  series  somewhat  enlarged,  no  distinct  canines; 
preopercular  margin  finely  serrate,  the  serrae  at  and  below  angle 
slightly  enlarged,  a  slight  notch  above  angle;  opercle  with  a  distinct 
flat  spine  and  a  short  flat  point  above  it  and  below  it;  gill-rakers 
short,  ii  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch;  scales  small,  ctenoid;  dorsal 
fin  continuous,  the  first  3  spines  graduated,  the  remainder  of  about 
equal  length;  the  soft  dorsal  scarcely  higher  than  the  spines,  the 
margin  convex ;  caudal  fin  distinctly  emarginate ;  first  anal  spine  short, 
the  second  and  third  of  about  equal  length,  somewhat  shorter  than  the 
soft  rays,  the  outline  of  fin  convex;  ventral  fins  rather  large,  but 
shorter  than  the  pectorals;  pectoral  fins  long  and  rather  narrow, 
rounded,  i.i  in  head. 

Color  reddish  brown,  a  little  paler  below  than  above;  sides  of 
snout  with  several  bluish  spots;  a  narrow  bluish  band  from  lower 
anterior  margin  of  orbit,  backward  and  downward  to  lower  margin 
of  preopercle;  another  narrow  bluish  band  from  lower  posterior  mar- 
gin of  orbit  toward  angle  of  preopercle ;  about  3  dark  vertical  lines  on 
opercle,  the  anterior  one  partly  under  margin  of  preopercle,  extend- 
ing on  side  of  chest  to  base  of  ventral ;  a  black  blotch  or  band  on  cau- 
dal peduncle;  ventral  fins  dark;  dorsal  and  anal  light  greenish  yel- 
low; pectorals  a  little  paler;  caudal  fin  bright  golden. 

We  have  one  specimen,  115  mm.  in  length,  which  we  refer  to  the 
color  variety  described  by  Cope  under  the  name,  Plectropoma  crocota 
(Trans.  Amer.  Philo.  Soc.  Phila.,  XIV,  1871,  p.  466).  We  have 
another  specimen  which  is  probably  nearest  to  Plectropoma  accenswn 
(Poey,  Memorias,  I,  1851,  72).  This  specimen  is  also  115  mm.  in  length 
and  agrees  well  with  the  foregoing,  except  in  color  and  in  the  appar- 
ently more  elongate  body,  the  depth  being  contained  2.45  in  the  length. 


47O    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

Its  color  is  nearly  uniform  brownish,  the  sides  of  head  being  slightly 
yellowish.  There  are  no  distinct  markings  anywhere.  The  dorsal 
and  anal  fins  are  dusky,  the  caudal  fin  is  olivaceous,  the  ventral  fins 
are  black  and  the  pectoral  fins  are  light  yellow. 

The  species,  H.  unicolor,  is  recorded  from  Florida  and  the  West 
Indies.  A  large  variation  in  color  seems  to  have  led  to  the  naming 
of  several  species,  representing,  however,  only  different  color  patterns. 
The  species  is  known  from  Florida,  the  West  Indies  and  Grenada. 
Our  specimens  are  from  Colon  and  Porto  Bello. 

133.  Genus  Prionodes  Jenyns. 

Prionodes  Jenyns,  Zool.  Voy.  Beagle,  Fishes,  1842,  46  (type  Prionodes 
fasciatus  Jenyns). 

Body  elongate,  moderately  compressed ;  head  rather  long  and  low  ; 
mouth  large;  maxillary  not  scaly  and  without  a  supplemental  bone; 
teeth  present  in  jaws,  vomer  and  palatines,  none  of  the  teeth  in  jaws 
depressible;  preopercular  margin  serrate,  the  scrrse  not  in  clusters; 
gill-rakers  usually  few;  lateral  line  complete;  dorsal  fin  with  about  10 
spines  and  n  to  13  soft  rays;  caudal  fin  lunate  or  truncate;  anal  fin 
small,  with  3  slender  spines;  ventrals  close  together,  inserted  slightly 
in  advance  of  pectorals.  The  species  of  this  genus  are  of  small  size, 
most  of  them  being  brightly  colored.  The  single  species  known  from 
Panama  occurs  on  the  Pacific  coast. 

345.  Prionodes  fasciatus  Jenyns. 

Prionodes  fasciatus  Jenyns,  Zool.  Voy.  Beagle,  Fishes,  1842,  46  (Chat- 
ham Island,  Galapagos) ;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat. 
Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  1212;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci., 
IV,  1904,  98. 

Serranus  psittacinus  Valenciennes,  Voy.  Venus,  Zool.,  1846,  PI.  I,  fig.  I, 
text,  1855,  290  (Galapagos  Islands)  ;  Jordan  &  Eigenmann,  Bull. 
U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  VIII,  1888  (1890),  407;  Boulenger,  Cat.  Fish. 
Brit.  Mus.,  Ed.  II,  I,  1895,  295. 

Centropristis  psittacinus  Giinther,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus.,  I,  1859,  86. 

Serranus  calopteryx  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1881, 
350  (Mazatlan),  and  1882,  625  (Panama;  Pearl  Islands). 

Head  2.7  to  2.8;  depth  2.9  to  3.5;  D.  X  (rarely  IX),  12  or  13; 
A.  Ill,  7;  scales  above  lateral  line  46  to  49. 


APRIL  15,  1925.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    471 

Body  elongate,  moderately  compressed;  the  back  little  elevated; 
head  rather  long  and  low;  snout  pointed,  3.3  to  5  in  head;  eye  4  to 
4.65;  mouth  rather  large,  oblique,  the  lower  jaw  strongly  project- 
ing; maxillary  reaching  to  or  past  posterior  margin  of  pupil,  2.15 
to  2.3  in  head ;  teeth  in  the  jaws  in  villiform  bands,  a  few  in  anterior 
part  of  upper  jaw  and  a  few  of  the  lateral  ones  in  lower  jaw  some- 
what enlarged;  vomerine  teeth  in  a  triangular-shaped  patch;  palatine 
teeth  in  short  bands;  preopercular  margin  finely  serrate,  none  of  the 
serrae  enlarged ;  gill-rakers  very  short,  7  or  8  more  or  less  developed ; 
scales  rather  small,  10  oblique  rows  on  cheeks,  ^l/2  rows  between  the 
lateral  line  and  base  of  spinous  dorsal;  dorsal  fin  long,  the  median 
spines  slightly  longer  than  the  posterior  ones,  the  soft  part  higher 
than  the  spines ;  caudal  fin  slightly  lunate,  the  upper  rays  the  longest ; 
anal  fin  with  3  rather  strong  spines,  the  second  and  third  of  about 
equal  length,  not  much  shorter  than  the  fourth  dorsal  spine,  the  soft 
portion  short,  very  high;  ventral  fins  rather  long,  inserted  midway 
between  the  tip  of  lower  jaw  and  origin  of  anal;  pectoral  fins  mod- 
erate, 1.3  to  1.4  in  head. 

Color  in  alcohol  brown  above,  paler  below;  sides  with  an  indefi- 
nite horizontal  streak  extending  from  snout  through  eye  and  along 
side,  disappearing  posteriorly,  always  most  distinct  in  young;  sides 
also  with  about  12  more  or  less  distinct  cross-bars;  in  some  speci- 
mens these  bars  are  broken  along  middle  of  side  and  a  row  of  black 
spots  appears  along  the  abdomen  and  lower  edge  of  the  tail;  a  small 
black  spot  at  base  of  pectoral  and  one  in  front  of  ventral,  and  2  or  3 
similar  black  spots  between  and  in  front  of  the  bases  of  these  fins; 
chin  and  cheek  usually  with  black  blotches  or  bars ;  dorsal  fin  rather 
dark  brown,  usually  with  a  row  of  3  roundish  black  spots  about  as 
large  as  pupil  on  anterior  half  of  the  soft  part  of  the  dorsal  fin,  the 
posterior  rays  with  many  small  black  dots;  in  specimens  in  which 
the  large  black  spots  are  missing  on  the  dorsal,  the  entire  distal  part 
of  the  fin  is  densely  speckled  with  black;  caudal  fin  with  a  black  base, 
which  color  extends  on  the  outer  rays  of  the  fin,  the  median  rays 
more  or  less  spotted  with  black;  anal  and  ventrals  dusky  to  nearly 
black,  slightly  speckled  in  the  light  colored  specimens;  pectoral  fins 
colorless. 

The  present  collection  contains  6  specimens,  ranging  in  length  from 
52  to  148  mm.  The  specimens  at  hand  were  all  taken  along  the  shores 
of  rocky  islands  near  Balboa. 

Known  from  Cape  San  Lucas  south  to  the  Galapagos  Islands  and 
the  coast  of  Peru.  Our  specimens  are  from  Balboa. 


472    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

134.  Genus  Diplectrum  Holbrook. 

Diplectrum  Holbrook,  Ichth.  South  Carolina,  Ed.  I,  1855,  32  (type 

Diplectrum  fasciculare  Holbrook  =  Perca  formosa  Linnaeus) . 
Haliperca  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1862,  236  (type  Serranus 

bivittatus  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes  =  Serranus  radialis  Quoy  &  Gai- 

mard). 

Body  elongate,  more  or  less  compressed;  preopercle  armed  with 
I  or  2  clusters  of  strong,  divergent  spines,  these  most  prominent  in 
adult ;  smooth  area  on  top  of  head  large,  extending  backward  to  a  line 
connecting  borders  of  opercles;  lateral  line  complete;  dorsal  fin  low, 
with  10  slender  spines ;  caudal  fin  posteriorly  deeply  concave  to  slightly 
forked ;  anal  fin  with  3  rather  weak  spines ;  ventral  fins  inserted  a 
little  in  advance  of  pectorals,  the  latter  unsymmetrically  rounded. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES. 

a.  Serrae  on  margin  of  preopercle  in  two  clusters,  radiating  from 
two  centers ;  scales  small,  74  to  80  in  a  horizontal  series  above 
lateral  line,   n  or  12  oblique  rows  on  cheeks;  sides  of  head 
with  from  3  to  6  horizontal  bands.  formosum,  p.  473. 

aa.  Serrae  on  margin  of  preopercle  radiating  from  a  single  center ; 
scales  larger,  fewer  than  74  in  a  lateral  series  and  fewer  than 
ii  oblique  rows  on  cheeks. 

b.  Anal  fin  constantly  with  8  soft  rays;  base  of  soft  dorsal  with 
a  black  bar.  eury plectrum,  p.  474. 

bb.  Anal  fin  constantly  with  7  soft  rays;  base  of  soft  dorsal  with- 
out black  bar. 

c.  Body  rather  deep,  depth  3.3  to  4.5  in  length;  scales  moderate, 
about  56  in  lateral  series;  6  oblique  rows  on  cheeks. 

macropoma,  p.  475. 

cc.  Body  not  as  deep,  depth  3.5  to  4.15  in  length;  scales  rather 
smaller,  60  to  69  in  lateral  series;  more  than  6  oblique  rows 
on  cheeks. 

d.  Eye  large,  3.1  to  3.6  in  head;  $l/2  horizontal  rows  of  scales  be- 
tween lateral  line  and  base  of  spinous  dorsal;  8  or  rarely  9 
oblique  rows  on  cheeks;  caudal  spot  small,  not  broader  than 
lateral  band.  radiale,  p.  475- 

dd.  Eye  smaller,  3.9  to  4.5  in  head;  6]/2  horizontal  rows  of  scales 
between  lateral  line  and  base  of  spinous  dorsal ;  9  or  10  oblique 
rows  on  cheeks;  caudal  spot  large,  notably  broader  than  lateral 
band.  pacificum  sp.  nov.,  p.  477- 


APRIL  15,  1925.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    473 

346.  Diplectrum  formosum  (Linnaeus). 

Perca  fonnosa  Linnaeus,  Syst.  Nat.,  Ed.  XII,  1766,  488  (Carolina). 

Epinephelus  striatus  Bloch,  Naturg.  Ausl.  Fische,  VII,  1793,  20,  PI. 

CCCXXX  (Jamaica). 
Serranus  radians  Quoy  &  Gaimard,  in  Freycinet,  Voy.  Uranie  et  Phy- 

sicienne,  Zool.,  1824,  313,  PL  LVIII,  fig.  2  ( Montevideo  [?]). 
Serranus  irradians  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  II,  1828, 

244  (Montevideo). 
Serranus  fascicularis  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.   Nat.   Poiss.,  II, 

1828,  245,  PI.  XXX  (Brazil). 

Centropristis  radians  Giinther,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus.,  I,  1859,  83. 
Centropristis  fascicularis  Giinther,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus.,  I,  1859,  83. 
Diplectrum  fasciculare  Holbrook,  Ichth.  South  Carolina,  Ed.  II,  1860, 

35- 

Serranus  fonnosus  Jordan,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1884,  35. 
Diplectrum  formosum  Jordan  &  Eigenmann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm., 

VIII,  1888  (1890),  397,  PI.  LXV;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S. 

Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  1207,  PI.  CXCI,  fig.  502. 

Head  2.9  to  4.15;  depth  3.55  to  4.75;  D.  X,  n  or  12;  A.  Ill,  7; 
scales  above  lateral  line  74  to  80. 

Body  very  elongate,  compressed ;  the  back  little  elevated ;  head  rather 
large;  snout  moderate,  3.35  to  4  in  head;  eye  3.6  to  4.3;  mouth  large, 
oblique;  the  lower  jaw  slightly  projecting;  maxillary  reaching  slightly 
past  middle  of  eye,  2.15  in  head;  teeth  as  in  D.  radiate;  preopercular 
margin  strongly  serrate,  the  serrae  with  2  diverging  centers,  one  at  the 
lower  angle  of  the  preopercle  and  the  other  above  it,  not  very  evident 
in  young;  gill-rakers  scarcely  as  long  as  pupil,  10,  exclusive  of  I  or  2 
rudiments,  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch;  scales  small,  ctenoid,  n  or  12 
oblique  rows  on  cheeks ;  about  20  scales  on  median  line  in  advance  of 
dorsal,  /^  rows  between  the  lateral  line  and  the  base  of  spinous  dorsal ; 
dorsal  fin  continuous,  the  median  spines  slightly  longer  than  the  pos- 
terior ones,  the  soft  part  slightly  higher  than  the  spines,  the  last  rays 
the  longest ;  caudal  fin  posteriorly  deeply  concave,  the  outer  rays  of  each 
lobe  produced  in  adult;  anal  fin  with  3  weak  spines,  the  soft  portion 
shorter  but  similar  to  the  dorsal  in  form;  ventrals  moderate,  inserted 
slightly  nearer  the  origin  of  the  anal  than  tip  of  lower  jaw ;  pectoral  fins 
rather  long,  1.4  to  1.5  in  head. 

Color  in  alcohol  brownish  above,  pale  below;  young  with  3  hori- 
zontal dark  bars  on  back  and  sides;  the  adult  without  evident  dark 
bands  but  with  faint  cross-bars;  sides  of  head  and  snout  with  3  to  5 


474    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

dark  horizontal  bands ;  a  small  black  spot  present  at  base  of  the  upper 
lobe  of  caudal  fin.     The  fins  in  preserved  specimens  are  unmarked. 

This  fish  was  not  taken  by  us.  It  is  here  included  because  it  has 
been  recorded  from  localities  both  north  and  south  of  the  Isthmus  of 
Panama  and,  therefore,  coming  within  the  range  of  the  present  work. 
The  above  description  is  based  on  specimens  from  the  eastern  coast  of 
the  United  States,  ranging  in  length  from  100  to  195  mm. 

Known  from  North  Carolina  south  to  Uruguay. 

347.  Diplectruin  euryplectrum  Jordan  &  Bollman. 

Diplectrum  euryplectrum  Jordan  &  Bollman,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

1889,  157  (off  coast  of  Panama)  ;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S. 

Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  1206;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal. 

Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  98. 

Head  2.5  to  2.8;  depth  3.3  to  3.5;  D.  X,  12;  A.  8;  scales  above 
lateral  line  67  to  69. 

Body  very  elongate,  compressed;  the  back  scarcely  elevated;  head 
rather  large;  snout  short,  4  in  head;  eyes  3.6  to  3.8;  mouth  large, 
oblique,  the  lower  jaw  scarcely  projecting;  maxillary  reaching  to  or  a 
little  past  posterior  margin  of  pupil,  2  in  head;  teeth  as  in  D.  radiate; 
preopercular  margin  serrate,  with  a  single  broad  cluster  of  diverging 
spines;  gill-rakers  slender,  slightly  longer  than  eye,  12  to  15  on  lower 
limb  of  first  arch;  scales  small,  ctenoid,  8  oblique  series  on  cheeks; 
about  16  scales  in  advance  of  dorsal,  6^2  rows  between  the  lateral  line 
and  base  of  spinous  dorsal;  dorsal  fin  long,  the  median  spines  the 
longest,  the  soft  rays  all  of  about  equal  length ;  caudal  fin  deeply  con- 
cave, the  upper  rays  the  longer ;  anal  fin  with  3  small  graduated  spines, 
the  soft  portion  similar  to  that  of  the  dorsal ;  ventral  fins  rather  small, 
inserted  slightly  nearer  the  origin  of  anal  than  tip  of  lower  jaw ;  pec- 
toral fins  rather  long,  1.4  to  1.55  in  head. 

Color  in  spirits  brownish  above,  pale  below;  sides  with  slightly 
darker  bars;  base  of  caudal  with  a  dark  blotch;  margin  of  spinous 
dorsal  dusky,  the  base  of  the  soft  dorsal  with  a  dark  bar;  fins  other- 
wise plain  translucent. 

This  species  was  not  taken  by  us.  It  was  dredged  in  moderately 
deep  water  in  Panama  Bay  by  the  Albatross  in  1888.  It  does  not  seem 
to  frequent  the  shores.  The  above  description  is  based  on  specimens 
ranging  in  length  from  135  to  155  mm. 

Known  only  from  Panama  Bay. 


APRIL  15,  1925.    FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    475 

348.  Diplectrum  macropoma  (Gunther). 

Centra pristis  macropoma  Gunther,  Proc.  Zool.  Soc.  London,  1864,  145 

(Panama),  and  Trans.  Zool.  Soc.  London,  VI,  1869,  409,  PI.  LXV, 

fig.  i. 
Diplectrum  macropoma  Jordan  &  Bollman,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

1889,  157;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII, 

1896,  1205. 

Head  2.9  to  3;  depth  3.3  to  3.5;  D.  X,  12;  A.  Ill,  7;  scales  above 
lateral  line  56. 

Body  elongate,  compressed;  the  back  little  elevated;  head  rather 
large;  snout  moderate,  4.1  to  4.2  in  head;  eye  3.7  to  4.15;  mouth  large, 
oblique,  terminal,  or  the  lower  jaw  slightly  projecting;  maxillary 
reaching  nearly  to  posterior  margin  of  eye,  2  to  2.1  in  head;  teeth 
as  in  D.  radialc;  preopercular  margin  with  a  single  center  of  radiating 
serrae;  gill-rakers  equal  to  or  larger  than  pupil,  9  or  10,  exclusive  of 
i  or  2  rudiments,  on  the  lower  limb  of  the  first  arch;  scales  moderate, 
ctenoid,  6  oblique  rows  on  cheeks;  12  to  14  scales  on  median  line  in 
advance  of  dorsal,  4^2  rows  between  the  lateral  line  and  base  of  spinous 
dorsal ;  dorsal  fin  continuous,  the  median  spines  longer  than  the  posterior 
ones,  the  soft  part  with  a  nearly  straight  margin,  the  last  rays  longest; 
caudal  fin  posteriorly  concave,  the  upper  rays  the  longest;  anal  fin 
with  3  graduated  spines,  the  soft  portion  rather  high;  ventral  fins 
moderate,  inserted  a  little  nearer  origin  of  anal  than  tip  of  lower  jaw ; 
pectoral  fins  rather  long,  1.2  to  1.3  in  head. 

Color  of  preserved  specimens  brownish  above,  pale  below;  upper 
parts  with  faint,  dark  cross-bars ;  a  dark  caudal  spot  present ;  preorbital 
with  pale  spots;  fins  colorless. 

This  fish  was  not  taken  by  us.  It  is  here  described  from  specimens 
taken  off  the  coast  of  Panama,  Colombia  and  Ecuador,  ranging  in 
length  from  120  to  205  mm. 

Known  from  the  Gulf  of  California  south  to  Ecuador. 

349.  Diplectrum  radiale  (Quoy  &  Gaimard).    (Plate  XLVI,  fig.  i.) 
Serranus  radialis  Quoy  &  Gaimard,  in  Freycinet,  Voy.  Uranie  et  Phy- 

sicienne,  Zool.,  1824,  316  (Rio  de  Janeiro). 
Serranus  bivittatus  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  II,  1828, 

241  (Martinique). 
Centropristis  ayresi  Steindachner,  (Sitzb.  k.  Ak.  Wiss.  Wien,  LVII) 

Ichth.  Notizen,  VII,  1868,  i,  PI.  I,  fig.  i  (Santos,  Brazil). 


476    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

Centropristis    radialis    Steindachner,     (Sitzb.    k.    Ak.    Wiss.    Wienr 

LXXII),  Ichth.  Beitr.,  IV,  1875,  6  (Panama  Bay). 
Haliperca  bivittata  Poey,  Syn.  Pise.  Cub.,  1868,  282. 
Diplectrum  radialis  Streets,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  VII,  1878,  52. 
Diplectrum   radiale   Jordan    &    Evermann,    Bull.    U.    S.    Nat.    Mus.. 

XLVII,  1896,  1204. 

Head  2.5  to  3.1;  depth  3.85  to  4.3;  D.  X,  n  or  12;  A.  Ill,  7; 
scales  above  lateral  line  60  to  68. 

Body  elongate,  little  compressed ;  the  back  not  elevated ;  head  rather 
large  and  low;  snout  short,  3.6  to  4.4  in  head;  eye  very  large,  3.1  to 
3.6;  mouth  large,  oblique;  lower  jaw  projecting;  maxillary  reaching 
middle  of  eye,  2  to  2.25  in  head ;  teeth  in  the  jaws  in  villif orm  bands, 
some  of  the  outer  ones  in  each  jaw  somewhat  enlarged ;  vomerine  teeth 
in  a  triangular  patch ;  palatine  teeth  in  very  narrow  bands ;  preopercular 
margin  serrate,  the  spines  longest  at  the  lower  posterior  angle; 
gill-rakers  scarcely  as  long  as  pupil,  10  or  n,  exclusive  of  a  few 
rudiments,  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch;  scales  rather  small,  ctenoid; 
8  or  rarely  9  oblique  rows  of  scales  on  cheeks,  15  or  16  scales  on 
median  line  in  advance  of  dorsal,  5^2  horizontal  rows  between  the 
lateral  line  and  base  of  spinous  dorsal;  dorsal  fin  long,  continuous, 
the  spines  pungent,  the  third  or  fourth  slightly  longer  than  the 
succeeding  ones,  the  soft  part  a  little  higher  than  the  spinous  portion, 
its  margin  slightly  convex;  caudal  fin  slightly  forked,  the  upper  lobe 
the  longer;  anal  fin  with  3  rather  small  graduated  spines,  the  soft 
portion  short  but  similar  in  shape  to  that  of  the  dorsal;  ventral  fins 
rather  large,  inserted  about  midway  between  the  tip  of  lower  jaw 
and  origin  of  anal;  pectoral  fins  rather  long,  1.33  to  1.5  in  head. 

Color  in  alcohol  of  young  up  to  80  mm.  in  length,  brown  above, 
paler  below;  back  and  side  with  3  dark  horizontal  stripes,  one  from 
nape  to  base  of  anterior  dorsal  spines,  the  next  one  from  upper  margin 
of  eye  to  base  of  last  rays  of  dorsal,  the  third,  the  broadest  and  most 
distinct,  extending  from  snout  through  eye  to  base  of  caudal ;  sides  also 
with  indications  of  dark  cross-bars;  caudal  spot  indistinct,  not  wider 
than  the  lateral  band,  and  not  much  darker;  a  small  black  spot  at  base 
of  upper  rays  of  caudal  and  another  preceding  it  on  median  line  of 
caudal  peduncle;  the  caudal  fin  occasionally  with  one  or  two  other 
small  black  spots;  dorsal  and  caudal  a  little  dusky,  the  other  fins  plain 
translucent. 

This  species  is  represented  by  24  specimens  in  the  present  collection, 
ranging  in  length  from  35  to  80  mm.  Young  of  this  species  are  rather 


APRIL  15,  1925.    FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    477 

common  in  shallow  water  on  the  Atlantic  coast  of  Panama.    The  adults 
were  not  seen. 

Known  from  Cuba  to  Brazil.  Our  specimens  are  from  Colon  and 
Porto  Bello. 

350.  Diplectrum  pacificum  sp.  nov.     (Plate  XLVI,  fig.  2.) 
Diplectrum  radiale  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904, 

97  (not  of  Quoy  &  Gaimard) ;  Fowler,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila., 

1916,  409  (Panama). 

Type  No.  81756,  U.  S.  N.  M.;  length  92  mm.;  Naos  Island, 
Panama. 

Head  2.9  to  3.15;  depth  3.5  to  4.05;  D.  X,  n  or  12;  A.  Ill,  7; 
scales  above  lateral  line  60  to  69. 

Body  very  elongate,  compressed;  the  back  scarcely  elevated;  head 
rather  large  and  low ;  snout  short,  3.4  to  4  in  head ;  eye  moderate,  3.9 
to  4.5;  mouth  large,  slightly  oblique,  lower  jaw  projecting;  maxillary 
reaching  to  or  past  posterior  margin  of  pupil,  2.1  to  2.6  in  head ;  teeth  as 
in  D.  radiale;  preopercular  margin  serrate,  the  serrse  with  single  diverg- 
ing center  at  angle,  greatly  enlarged  in  adult ;  gill-rakers  quite  as  long  as 
pupil,  10  or  n,  exclusive  of  rudiments,  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch; 
scales  rather  small,  ctenoid,  9  or  10  oblique  rows  on  cheeks;  16  to  18 
scales  on  median  line  in  advance  of  dorsal,  6^2  horizontal  rows  between 
lateral  line  and  base  of  spinous  dorsal;  dorsal  fin  long,  the  fourth 
spine  usually  the  longest,  the  soft  part  with  convex  margin;  caudal 
fin  slightly  forked,  the  upper  lobe  the  longer;  anal  fin  with  3  weak 
spines,  the  soft  portion  shorter  but  similar  to  that  of  the  dorsal ;  ventral 
fins  moderate,  inserted  about  midway  between  the  tip  of  lower  jaw  and 
origin  of  anal;  pectoral  fins  rather  long,  1.25  to  1.5  in  head. 

Color  in  alcohol  slightly  brownish  above,  pale  or  slightly  silvery 
below;  the  young  with  the  same  color  pattern  as  in  D.  radiale,  with 
the  dark  bands,  particularly  the  one  on  median  line  of  sides,  notably 
blacker  and  more  distinct.  The  caudal  spot  is  much  larger,  more 
distinct  and  broader  than  the  lateral  band.  The  black  spots  on  upper 
surface  of  caudal  peduncle  and  on  the  base  of  the  caudal  fin  are  also 
more  distinct  than  in  D.  radiale.  The  soft  dorsal  and  caudal  are 
slightly  barred  with  dusky.  The  longitudinal  stripes  disappear  with 
age,  but  indistinct  dark  bars  and  a  large  caudal  spot  remain. 

Of  this  species  20  specimens  were  preserved,  ranging  in  length  from 
42  to  213  mm.  This  fish  is  of  some  value  as  food  and  is  rather 
frequently  seen  in  the  Panama  City  market.  The  Atlantic  and  Pacific 
coast  forms  have  for  a  long  time  been  considered  identical.  However, 


478    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

a  comparison  of  our  specimens  reveals  several  rather  small,  but 
apparently  constant,  differences.  Unfortunately,  we  have  no  large 
specimens  from  the  Atlantic,  so  that  the  comparison  here  given  is  that 
of  the  young.  The  differences  in  color  are  pointed  out  in  the  above 
description.  Besides  this,  it  is  noted  that  the  Pacific  coast  form  has  a 
smaller  eye,  usually  one  or  two  more  oblique  rows  of  scales  on  the 
cheeks  and  one  more  horizontal  row  between  the  lateral  line  and  base  of 
spinous  dorsal. 

All  of  the  Pacific  representatives  previously  identified  as  D.  radiale 
are  doubtlessly  referable  to  this  species.  The  range  would  then  extend 
from  Lower  California  to  Panama.  Our  specimens  are  from  Naos 
Island  and  the  Panama  City  market. 

135.  Genus  Rhegma  Gilbert. 

Rhegma  Gilbert,  in  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII, 

1900,  3169  (type  Rhegma  thaumasium  Gilbert). 

Body  moderately  elongate,  compressed;  head  rather  short,  blunt; 
mouth  large;  lower  jaw  scarcely  in  advance  of  the  upper;  maxillary 
broad,  with  narrow  supplemental  bone;  teeth  all  in  broad  villiform 
bands;  gill-covers  above  posterior  angle  attached  to  shoulder  girdle 
by  membrane;  preopercle  with  a  single  broad  spine;  opercle  without 
spines;  pseudobranchise  well  developed;  lateral  line  interrupted  under 
posterior  part  of  soft  dorsal,  reappearing  lower  down  on  median  line 
of  side;  scales  thin,  weakly  ctenoid,  of  moderate  size,  not  embedded; 
dorsal  fin  low,  normally  with  about  7  spines;  caudal  fin  rounded;  anal 
fin  with  3  short  spines;  ventrals  small,  inserted  slightly  in  advance 
of  pectorals. 

A  single  species  of  this  genus  is  known. 

351.  Rhegma  thaumasium  Gilbert. 

Rhegma  thaumasium  Gilbert,  in  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat. 

Mus.,  XLVII,  1900,  3170  (Panama)  ;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir. 

Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  99,  PI.  XV,  fig.  31  (Panama)  ;  Kendall  & 

Radcliffe,     Memoir.     Mus.     Comp.     Zool.,     XXXV,     1912,     in 

(Toboguilla  Island). 

Head  3  to  3.2;  depth  2.8  to  3.2;  D.  VII  (rarely  VIII),  20  to  24; 
A.  Ill,  17  to  20;  scales  48  to  55. 

Body  elongate,  compressed;  anterior  profile  rather  steep,  nearly 
straight  over  eyes;  head  short;  snout  blunt,  4.8  to  6.3  in  head;  eye 
4.3  to  4.7;  mouth  large,  slightly  oblique;  the  lower  jaw  scarcely 
projecting;  maxillary  reaching  far  beyond  eye,  1.7  to  1.85  in  head; 


APRIL  15,  1925.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    479 

teeth  all  small,  in  broad  villiform  bands  on  jaws,  vomer  and  palatines ; 
anterior  nostril  with  a  short  tube;  a  short  supraoccular  flap  present; 
preopercle  with  a  single  broad  spine ;  opercle  without  spines ;  gill-rakers 
very  short,  6  or  7  more  or  less  developed  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch; 
lateral  line  interrupted  under  base  of  last  rays  of  dorsal,  reappearing 
on  median  line  of  side,  considerably  in  advance  of  point  of  interruption ; 
scales  of  moderate  size,  weakly  ctenoid,  becoming  smooth  anteriorly, 
present  on  base  of  fins;  dorsal  fin  low,  the  spines  graduated,  the  soft 
part  a  little  higher,  some  of  the  posterior  rays  slightly  produced,  the 
margin  angulate;  caudal  fin  shorter  than  head,  rounded;  anal  fin  with 
3  spines,  the  second  one  notably  larger  than  the  others,  the  soft  part 
similar  to  that  of  the  dorsal;  ventral  fins  small,  inserted  slightly  in 
advance  of  base  of  pectorals,  only  slightly  more  than  half  as  long  as 
pectorals ;  pectoral  fins  moderate,  round,  about  equal  to  length  of  head. 

Color  very  dark  brown  above,  paler  below,  other  specimens  lighter 
brown ;  a  large  round  black  spot  on  opercle ;  sides  of  head  usually  with 
2  black  lines,  a  broad  one  extending  from  eye  to  opercular  blotch  and 
a  narrower  one  from  above  maxillary  to  margin  of  preopercle ;  in  the 
lighter  colored  specimens  there  are  faint  dark  stripes  along  the  rows 
of  scales;  fins  very  dark,  the  vertical  ones  narrowly  margined  with 
white. 

Twelve  specimens,  ranging  from  58  to  98  mm.  in  length,  were  taken 
by  the  use  of  dynamite  along  the  rocky  shores  of  some  small  islands 
near  Balboa.  Our  specimens  appear  to  agree  in  all  respects  with  the 
figure  published  by  Gilbert  &  Starks,  except  that  in  our  specimens 
the  third  anal  spine  and  the  ventral  fins  appear  notably  smaller  than 
represented  in  the  figure. 

Known  only  from  Panama.    Our  specimens  are  from  Balboa. 

136.  Genus  Rypticus  Cuvier. 

SOAPFISHES. 
Rypticus  Cuvier,  Regne  Animal,  Ed.  II,  II,  1829,  144  (type  Anthias 

saponaceus  Bloch  &  Schneider). 
Smecticus  Valenciennes,  Voy.  Venus,  Zool.,  1855,  305  (type  Smecticus 

bicolor  Valenciennes). 
Eleutheractis  Cope,  Trans.  Amer.  Philo.  Soc.  Phila.,  XIV,  1871,  467 

(type  Eleutheractis  coriaceus  Cope). 

Body  elongate,  compressed ;  head  rather  small,  pointed ;  mouth  large, 
oblique;  lower  jaw  projecting;  maxillary  broad,  with  a  supplemental 
bone;  teeth  all  small,  in  villiform  bands  on  jaws,  vomer  and  palatines, 
no  canines ;  preopercular  margin  provided  with  2  or  3  teeth,  otherwise 


480    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

smooth;  opercle  with  2  or  3  spines;  gill-rakers  short;  lateral  line 
normal ;  scales  minute,  embedded ;  dorsal  fin  with  2  or  3,  rarely  4,  short 
spines,  the  second  dorsal  rather  long,  of  20  or  more  rays;  caudal 
rounded;  anal  rather  long,  with  soft  rays  only;  ventrals  very  small,  I, 
5  rays,  inserted  a  little  in  advance  of  pectorals;  pectorals  moderate, 
round.  Three  rather  closely  related  species  are  represented  in  the 
Panama  collection. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES. 

a.  Dorsal  spines  normally  3. 

b.  Body  slender,  the  depth  not  exceeding  the  length  of  head,  3.65 
in  length  of  body ;  preopercle  with  only  2  spines. 

saponaceus,  p.  480. 

bb.  Body  deeper,  the  depth  greater  than  length  of  head;  2.7  in 
length  of  body;  preopercle  with  3  spines.  xanti,  p.  481. 

aa.  Dorsal  spines  normally  2;  body  slender,  the  depth  scarcely 
exceeding  length  of  head,  3.1  to  3.5  in  length  of  body ;  preopercle 
with  2  spines  and  occasionally  a  rudiment  of  a  third. 

nigripinnis,  p.  482. 

352.  Rypticus  saponaceus  (Bloch  &  Schneider).     (Plate  XLVII.) 
Anthias    saponaceus    Bloch    &    Schneider,    Syst.    Ichth.,    1801,    310 

(Havana). 
Rhypticus  microps  Castelnau,  Anim.  Nouv.  Rares  Amer.  Sud,  1855, 

6  (Bahia). 

Rypticus  saponaceus  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  Ill, 
1829,  63 ;  Jordan  &  Eigenmann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  VIII,  1888 
(1890),  340;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII, 
1896,  1232. 

Rhypticus  saponaceus  Gunther,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus.,  I,  1859  172- 
Rypticus  arenatus  Fowler,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1916,  402  (Colon). 
Head  3.65;  depth  3.65;  D.  Ill,  20;  A.  13;  scales  140. 
Body  very  elongate ;  the  back  little  elevated ;  anterior  profile  concave 
over  eyes;  head  rather  small;  snout  acute,  5.25  in  head;  eye  small, 
5.05  in  head ;  interorbital  narrow,  only  about  half  the  eye;  mouth  rather 
large,  oblique;  lower  jaw  strongly  projecting;  maxillary  reaching 
vertical  from  posterior  margin  of  eye,  2.2  in  head;  teeth  all  small, 
pointed,  in  rather  broad  bands  on  jaws,  vomer  and  palatines;  pre- 
opercular  margin  convex,  with  2  rather  prominent  spines,  the  lower  one 
the  larger;  opercle  with  3  spines,  the  median  one  the  largest; 


1 


, 


ir    E 


APRIL  15,  1925.    FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    481 

gill-rakers  scarcely  as  long  as  pupil,  about  8  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch ; 
scales  very  small,  embedded,  present  on  base  of  all  the  vertical  fins; 
dorsal  fin  with  3  very  short  and  well  separated  spines,  the  last  one  at 
least  an  eye's  diameter  in  advance  of  soft  dorsal ;  soft  dorsal  moderately 
thickened  by  skin  at  base,  the  rays  difficult  to  enumerate,  posterior 
margin  of  fin  convex ;  caudal  fin  with  strongly  convex  margin ;  anal  fin 
similar  to  soft  dorsal,  although  shorter;  ventral  fins  small,  inserted  a 
little  in  advance  of  pectorals,  half  as  long  as  pectorals;  pectoral  fins 
moderate,  round,  1.57  in  head. 

Color  in  alcohol  very  uniform  dark  above,  brownish  below;  lower 
surface  of  head  lighter  brown;  the  vertical  fins  black,  with  a  very 
narrow  pale  margin ;  pectorals  and  ventrals  a  little  paler  than  other  fins. 

A  single  specimen,  150  mm.  long,  was  taken.  Upon  it  we  have 
based  the  above  description.  This  fish  was  seined  from  a  very  muddy 
pool  on  the  Panama  Canal,  several  miles  from  the  shore.  When  cap- 
tured, it  was  densely  coated  with  mucus,  which,  together  with  the 
smooth  skin,  gives  the  fish  the  characteristic  soapy  feeling  from  whence 
the  members  of  the  genus  have  received  the  name,  "Soapfishes." 

Known  from  western  Africa  and  on  the  American  coast  from 
Florida  to  Brazil.  Our  specimen  is  from  Mindi. 

353.  Rypticus  xanti  Gill.     (Plate  XLVIII.) 

Rhypticus  xanti  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1862,  250  (Cape  San 

Lucas) . 
Rypticus  xanti  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII, 

1896,  1231. 

Head  3  to  3.1 ;  depth  2.7;  D.  Ill,  20  to  24;  A.  16;  scales  about  125. 

Body  rather  deep;  anterior  profile  concave  over  eyes;  head  small, 
low;  snout  acute,  4.35  to  4.4  in  head;  eye  4.75  to  5.5;  interorbital  a 
little  more  than  half  the  diameter  of  eye ;  mouth  large,  oblique ;  lower 
jaw  strongly  projecting;  maxillary  reaching  beyond  eye,  2.2  in  head; 
teeth  small,  pointed,  in  broad  bands  on  jaws,  vomer  and  palatines,  no 
canines;  preopercular  margin  with  3  spines,  the  upper  one  very  short, 
the  lower  one  largest;  opercle  with  3  spines,  the  median  one  notably 
enlarged;  gill-rakers  about  as  long  as  pupil,  7  more  or  less  developed 
on  lower  limb  of  first  arch ;  scales  small,  embedded ;  dorsal  fin  with  3 
distinct  spines,  well  separated  from  the  soft  dorsal;  soft  dorsal  and 
anal  greatly  thickened  at  base  by  skin  and  scales,  the  rays  very  difficult 
to  enumerate,  each  fin  with  convex  outline ;  caudal  fin  strongly  convex ; 
ventral  fins  inserted  a  little  in  advance  of  base  of  pectorals,  slightly 


482    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

more  than  half  the  length  of  pectorals;  pectoral  fins  rather  short, 
rounded,  1.77  in  head. 

Color  in  alcohol  very  dark  gray  above,  brownish  below;  sides  with 
small  irregular  and  indistinct  lighter  brown  blotches;  fins  all  darker 
than  the  body,  very  narrowly  edged  with  white. 

We  have  2  specimens,  195  and  203  mm.  long,  which  we  refer  to 
this  species.  They  differ  from  all  other  specimens  collected  by  us  on 
the  Pacific  coast  of  Panama  in  having  a  notably  deeper  and  more 
robust  body,  3  distinct  dorsal  spines,  and  in  the  excessively  thickened 
base  of  the  soft  dorsal  and  anal  fins.  The  third  preopercular  spine  is 
short  but  distinct,  in  the  other  specimens  it  is  obsolete. 

Known  from  Mazatlan  to  Panama.  Our  specimens  are  from  Chame 
Point  and  from  a  tide  pool  at  Panama  City. 

354.  Rypticus  nigripinnis  Gill. 

Rhypticus    nigripinnis    Gill,    Proc.    Ac.    Nat.    Sci.    Phila.,    1861,    53 

(Panama). 
Rhypticus  maculatus  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1862,  251   (Cape 

San  Lucas). 
Promicropterus  decoratus  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1863,  164 

(Panama). 

Rhypticus  decoratus  Gunther,  Trans.  Zool.  Soc.  London,  VI,  1869,  412. 
Rypticus  nigripinnis  Jordan  &  Eigenmann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm., 

VIII,  1888   (1890),  339;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat. 

Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  1234;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci., 

IV,  1904,  loo  (Panama  Bay)  ;  Fowler,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila., 

1916,  410  (Panama). 

Head  3  to  3.35;  depth  3.1  to  3.5;  D.  II,  24  to  26;  A.  14  to  16; 
scales  about  140. 

Body  elongate,  rather  strongly  compressed ;  anterior  profile  straight 
over  eyes;  head  moderate;  snout  short,  pointed,  5.1  to  6  in  head;  eye 
4.45  to  5.75;  interorbital  space  narrow,  half  the  eye  in  specimens  180 
mm.  in  length,  not  broader  than  pupil  in  young  (45  mm.  long)  ;  mouth 
large,  oblique;  lower  jaw  strongly  projecting;  maxillary  reaching  to  or 
a  little  beyond  vertical  from  posterior  margin  of  eye,  2.15  to  2.3  in  head ; 
teeth  all  small,  in  broad  villiform  bands  on  jaws,  vomer  and  palatines, 
no  canines;  preopercular  margin  with  2  spines  and  sometimes  a  slight 
rudiment  of  a  third,  the  lower  spine  the  larger;  opercle  with  3  distinct 
spines,  the  middle  one  the  largest;  gill-rakers  not  longer  than  pupil,  7 
or  8  more  or  less  developed  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch;  scales  very 
small,  embedded ;  dorsal  fin  with  2  short,  stiff  spines,  not  separate  from 


APRIL  15,  1925.    FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    483 

the  soft  dorsal;  soft  dorsal  and  anal  greatly  thickened  by  skin  and 
scales,  each  with  strongly  convex  margin  posteriorly ;  caudal  fin  strongly 
convex ;  ventral  fins  small,  inserted  a  little  in  advance  of  pectorals,  about 
half  as  long  as  pectorals;  pectoral  fins  moderate,  rounded,  1.6  to  1.8 
in  head. 

Color  very  dark  brownish  above,  paler  brown  below ;  sides  with  paler 
spots,  these  very  indistinct  in  our  largest  specimen,  but  prominent  and 
much  more  numerous  in  the  smaller  ones;  young  of  80 mm.  and  less 
in  length  with  a  pale  median  stripe  from  snout  to  origin  of  dorsal,  and 
with  2  narrower  pale  stripes  behind  eye,  the  spaces  between  these  pale 
stripes  rather  darker  than  ground  color  of  body;  fins  uniform,  rather 
darker  than  body,  spotted  like  the  body  in  very  young. 

This  species  is  represented  by  20  specimens,  ranging  from  33  to 
1 88  mm.  in  length.  It  is  not  rare  and  is  occasionally  seen  in  the 
market.  Most  of  our  specimens  were  taken  from  rocky  tide  pools,  but 
it  also  inhabits  other  localities,  as  one  of  our  specimens  was  taken  in  a 
very  muddy  bayou  several  miles  inland. 

Known  from  Cape  San  Lucas  to  Panama.  Our  specimens  are  from 
Corozal,  Balboa  and  Panama  City. 


Family  LII.    Lobotidae. 

THE  TRIPLE-TAILS. 

Body  oblong,  compressed;  the  back  elevated;  anterior  profile 
concave;  head  moderate;  snout  short;  eye  small,  anteriorly  placed; 
mouth  moderate,  oblique;  the  lower  jaw  projecting;  teeth  in  the  jaws 
pointed,  small,  none  on  vomer  or  palatines;  preopercle  serrate;  scales 
of  moderate  size,  rather  strongly  ctenoid;  dorsal  fin  long,  continuous, 
with  about  12  strong  spines,  the  soft  part  elevated;  caudal  fin  rounded; 
anal  fin  with  3  graduated  spines,  the  soft  part  similar  to  that  of  dorsal 
and  opposite  it. 

This  family  is  composed  of  a  single  genus  and  few  species. 

137.  Genus  Lobotes  Cuvier. 

Lobotes  Cuvier,  Regne  Animal,  Ed.  II,  II,  1829,  177  (type  Holocentrus 
surinamensis  Bloch). 

The  characters  of  this  genus  are  included  in  the  family  description. 


484    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES. 

a.  Preopercular  margin  moderately  serrate,  the  serrse  at  angle 
not  notably  enlarged,  always  shorter  than  pupil;  soft  dorsal 
with  1 5  rays.  pacificus,  p.  484. 

aa.  Preopercular  margin  strongly  serrate,  the  serrae  at  angle  much 
enlarged,  longer  than  pupil;  soft  dorsal  with  16  rays. 

surinamensis,  p.  485. 

355.  Lobotes  pacificus  Gilbert.     (Plate  XLIX.) 

Lobotes  auctorum  Steindachner,  (Sitzb.  k.  Ak.  Wiss.  Wien,  LXXII) 

Ichth.  Beitr.,  IV,  1875,  6  (Panama;  not  of  Giinther). 
Lobotes  surinamensis  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  II, 

1882  (1883),  no  (Panama;  not  of  Bloch)  ;  Jordan,  Proc.  U.  S. 

Nat.  Mus.,  1885,  378  (not  of  Bloch)  ;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U. 

S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  1235  (part;  not  of  Bloch) ;  Boulenger, 

Boll.  Mus.  Zool.  Anat.  Torino,  XIV,  No.  346,  1899,  2  (Rio  Tuyra; 

not  of  Bloch). 
Lobotes  pacificus  Gilbert,  in  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

XLVII,  1898,  2857  (Panama) ;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac. 

Sci.,  IV,  1904,  100,  PI.  XIV,  fig.  28  (Panama). 

Head  2.7  to  2.95;  depth  1.8  to  2.3;  D.  XII,  15;  A.  Ill,  n;  scales 
45  to  50. 

Body  deep,  compressed ;  the  back  elevated ;  anterior  profile  strongly 
concave  over  eyes,  strongly  convex  at  nape;  head  moderate;  snout 
tapering,  4.25  to  5.6  in  head ;  eye  small,  3.5  to  8.5  in  head ;  interorbital 
broad;  mouth  moderate,  oblique;  lower  jaws  projecting;  maxillary 
reaching  verticle  from  middle  of  eye,  2.6  to  3.4  in  head ;  teeth  in  the 
jaws  rather  small,  pointed,  an  outer  irregular  series,  with  a  band  of 
minute  teeth  behind  it ;  preopercular  margin  serrate,  the  serrae  at  angle 
never  noticeably  enlarged,  always  less  than  half  the  length  of  pupil, 
the  serrae  on  lower  limb  very  short,  not  recurved;  scales  moderate, 
strongly  ctenoid,  wanting  only  on  snout,  extending  on  base  of  vertical 
fins;  dorsal  spines  strong,  the  median  ones  longest,  the  soft  part  of 
fin  much  higher,  its  outer  margin  strongly  convex ;  caudal  fin  rounded ; 
anal  spines  graduated,  the  soft  part  similar  to  that  of  the  dorsal ;  ventral 
fins  long,  pointed,  equal  to  or  longer  than  head  to  preopercular  margin ; 
pectoral  fins  very  short,  1.95  to  2.05  in  head. 

Color  dark  brown  to  pale  brown,  with  more  or  less  silvery,  at  least 
below  lateral  line;  an  indistinct  dark  band  from  eye  to  occiput,  2 
narrower  bands  or  lines  extending  backward  for  a  short  distance  from 
interorbital,  another  band  from  lower  margin  of  eye  to  angle  of  pre- 


^    JS 


S    oo 

ii 


APRIL  15,  1925.    FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    485 

opercle;  all  the  fins,  except  dorsal,  darker  than  the  body,  the  caudal 
fin  with  an  abruptly  pale  margin  in  young,  which  is  not  present  in  adult ; 
pectoral  fins  plain  translucent. 

This  species  is  represented  by  52  specimens,  ranging  in  length  from 
20  to  298  mm.  Most  of  the  specimens  are  small  and  were  taken  at 
Chame  Point  by  Mr.  Robert  Tweedlie,  and  no  large  specimens  were 
observed.  It  is  occasionally  seen  in  the  market. 

Known  from  the  west  coast  of  Panama.  Our  specimens  are  from 
Chame  Point,  Taboga  and  Naos  islands,  and  from  the  Panama  City 
market. 

356.  Lobotes  surinamensis  (Bloch).     (Plate  L.) 

Holocentrus  surinamensis  Bloch,  Naturg.  Ausl.  Fische,  IV,  1790,  98, 

PI.  CCXLIII  (Surinam). 
Bodianus  triourus  Mitchill,  Trans.  Lit.  &  Phil.  Soc.  N.  Y.,  I,  1815, 

418  (Powles  Hook,  N.  J.). 
Lobotes  somnolentus  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  V,  1830, 

324  (San  Domingo). 
Lobotes  auctorum  Giinther,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus.,  I,  1859,  33$   (in 

part). 
Lobotes  surinamensis  Holbrook,  Ichth.  South  Carolina,  Ed.  II,  1860, 

169,  PI.  XXIV,  fig.  2 ;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

XLVII,  1896,  1235,  PI.  CXCIV,  fig.  510  (in  part;  not  of  Bloch). 

Head  2.6  to  2.9;  depth  1.8  to  2;  D.  XII,  16;  A.  Ill,  n  ;  scales  45. 

Body  oblong,  compressed;  anterior  profile  deeply  concave;  head 
rather  small;  snout  short,  4.1  to  5  in  head;  eye  rather  small,  4  to  6  in 
head;  mouth  moderate,  oblique;  the  lower  jaw  projecting;  maxillary 
scarcely  reaching  middle  of  eye,  2.6  to  3  in  head ;  teeth  small,  pointed, 
with  an  irregular  outer  series  and  a  band  of  minute  teeth  behind  it; 
preopercular  margin  strongly  serrate,  the  serrae  at  angle  much  enlarged, 
longer  than  pupil,  the  serrae  above  angle  directed  more  or  less  upward 
and  those  on  the  lower  limb  downward  and  forward ;  scales  moderate, 
strongly  serrate,  wanting  only  on  snout;  dorsal  spines  strong,  the 
median  ones  very  slightly  longer  than  the  posterior  ones,  the  soft  part 
of  fin  much  higher,  strongly  convex  to  slightly  pointed;  caudal  fin 
rounded;  anal  fin  with  3  strong  graduated  spines,  the  soft  part  of  fin 
similar  to  that  of  the  dorsal  and  opposite  it;  ventral  fins  long,  pointed, 
exceeding  length  of  head  to  preopercular  margin;  pectoral  fins  very 
short,  1.8  to  2.1  in  head. 

Color  dark  chocolate  brown  to  pale  brown  with  more  or  less  silvery ; 
a  dark  band  from  eye  to  nape;  2  narrower  bands  from  interorbital 


486    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

toward  nape,  another  band  from  lower  margin  of  eye  to  angle  of 
preopercle;  all  the  fins,  except  pectorals,  darker  than  the  body;  the 
caudal  fin  with  a  broad  yellow  margin;  pectoral  fins  plain  translucent. 

This  fish  appears  to  be  rather  rare  on  the  coast  of  Panama,  as  only 
3  specimens,  ranging  from  60  to  178  mm.  in  length,  were  secured.  It 
is  rarely  seen  in  the  market.  This  species  may  be  distinguished  from 
the  Pacific  coast  form  by  the  much  stronger  serrations  on  the  pre- 
opercular  margin,  and  the  soft  dorsal  appears  to  have  constantly  one 
more  ray.  All  of  our  specimens  from  the  Atlantic  coast  have  16  soft 
rays  in  the  dorsal  fin  and  all  the  specimens  (20)  from  the  Pacific  coast, 
which  we  have  examined  in  regard  to  the  number  of  dorsal  rays,  have 
15.  That  the  body  is  deeper,  the  head  longer  and  broader,  and  the 
scales  more  strongly  serrate  than  in  L.  pacificus,  as  stated  by  Gilbert 
&  Starks,  we  are  unable  to  verify.  There  is  considerable  variation 
in  color,  but  there  are  apparently  no  constant  differences  between  the 
2  species  in  this  respect. 

Known  from  Massachusetts  south  to  Uruguay.  Our  specimens  are 
from  Mindi  Cut  and  the  Colon  market. 


Family  LIII.    Priacanthidae. 

THE  BIG-EYES. 

Body  oblong,  compressed;  head  deep;  snout  short;  eye  very  large; 
mouth  large,  very  oblique;  the  lower  jaw  projecting;  teeth  in  villiform 
bands  on  jaws,  vomer  and  palatines;  posterior  nostril  slit-like,  close 
to  the  eye ;  preopercle  serrate,  with  one  or  more  spines  at  angle ;  opercle 
short,  ending  in  2  or  3  points;  gill-membranes  separate,  free  from  the 
isthmus,  the  rakers  long;  pseudobranchiae  large;  branchiostegals  6; 
lateral  line  continuous,  not  extending  on  caudal  fin;  scales  small,  firm, 
ctenoid,  extending  forward  on  head,  snout  and  maxillaries,  not  extend- 
ing on  base  of  vertical  fins;  dorsal  fin  continuous,  with  about  10  spines; 
anal  fin  with  3  spines;  ventral  fins  thoracic,  with  I,  5  rays;  the  fins 
usually  rough  with  small  serrse. 

KEY  TO  THE  GENERA. 

a.  Scales  small,  80  to  100  in  lateral  series ;  body  elongate,  its  depth 
not  half  the  length;  soft  dorsal  and  anal  each  with  12  to  15  rays. 

Priacanthus,  p.  487. 

aa.  Scales  larger,  35  to  50  in  lateral  series;  body  deep,  its  depth 
more  than  half  its  length;  soft  dorsal  and  anal  each  with  9  to 
ii  soft  rays.  Pseudopriacanthus,  p.  489- 


APRIL  15,  1925.    FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    487 

138.  Genus  Priacanthus  Oken. 

Priacanthus   Oken,    Isis,    1817,    1183    (type   Anthias   macro  pthalmus 

Bloch). 

Body  oblong,  the  depth  less  than  half  the  length;  preopercle  with 
a  well  developed  flat  spine  at  angle;  lateral  line  extending  strongly 
upward  and  backward  from  upper  angle  of  gill-opening  to  anterior 
dorsal  spines,  then  following  curvature  of  back;  scales  small,  80  to 
100  in  lateral  series;  dorsal  rays  X,  13  or  14;  anal  III,  13  to  15. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES. 

a.  Ventral  fins  very  long,  about  as  long  as  head,  inserted  in 
advance  of  base  of  pectorals;  opercular  margin  with  a  single 
small  indentation  a  little  above  and  behind  tip  of  preopercular 
spine;  gill-rakers  long,  22  to  23  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch. 

arenatus,  p.  487. 

aa.  Ventral  fins  rather  short,  much  shorter  than  head,  inserted  under 
base  of  pectorals ;  opercular  margin  with  2  distinct  indentations. 
a  small  one  above  and  behind  tip  of  preopercular  spine  and  a 
larger  U-shaped  one  under  tip  of  preopercular  spine ;  gill-rakers 
fewer,  16  to  18  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch,  cruentatus,  p.  488. 

357.  Priacanthus  arenatus  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes.     (Plate  LI.) 
Priacanthus  arenatus  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  Ill, 

1829,  97  (Brazil;  Atlantic)  ;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat. 

Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  1237,  PI.  CXCV,  fig.  511. 
Priacanthus  macracanthus  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss., 

Ill,  1829,  97  (not  of  Bloch). 
Priacanthus   catalufa   Poey,    Proc.   Ac.    Nat.    Sci.    Phila.,    1863,    182 

(Havana). 

Head  3.2  to  3.6;  depth  2.5  to  2.8;  D.  X,  14;  A.  Ill,  15;  scales 
88  to  91. 

Body  elongate,  compressed;  the  ventral  outline  anteriorly  more 
strongly  convex  than  the  dorsal;  head  rather  deep;  snout  short,  3.45 
to  3.6  in  head;  eye  very  large,  2.15  to  2.25;  mouth  moderate,  strongly 
oblique;  the  lower  jaw  notably  projecting;  maxillary  scarcely  reaching 
anterior  margin  of  pupil,  1.8  in  head;  teeth  in  narrow  villiform  bands, 
present  on  jaws,  vomer  and  palatines;  preopercular  margin  finely 
serrate,  the  angle  produced  into  a  short  flat  spine;  margin  of  opercle 
with  a  small  notch  a  little  above  and  behind  tip  of  preopercular  spine; 
gill-rakers  slender,  22  or  23  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch;  scales  small, 
ctenoid,  reduced  on  head ;  dorsal  fin  with  10  slender  graduated  spines, 


FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

the  soft  part  not  much  higher  than  the  longest  spines,  its  outer  margin 
convex;  caudal  fin  with  straight  or  slightly  concave  margin,  the  upper 
rays  longest;  anal  fin  with  3  slender  graduated  spines,  the  soft  part 
similar  to  that  of  the  dorsal  and  opposite  it;  ventral  fins  very  long, 
inserted  in  advance  of  base  of  pectorals,  about  equal  to  length  of  head ; 
pectoral  fins  very  short,  1.7  in  head. 

Color  in  alcohol  brownish  above,  lower  part  of  sides,  chest  and 
abdomen  pale  silvery;  dorsal,  caudal  and  anal  pale  with  dusky 
punctulations,  the  interradial  membranes  darkest;  soft  dorsal  and  anal 
with  traces  of  pale  spots;  the  basal  part  of  ventral  fins  white,  with 
distal  part  black;  pectoral  fins  plain  translucent.  This  fish  is  mostly 
bright  red  in  life. 

There  are  3  specimens,  respectively  230,  277  and  290  mm.  in  length, 
in  the  present  collection.  These  were  taken  by  the  use  of  dynamite 
on  a  coral  reef. 

Known  from  the  tropical  Atlantic,  reported  from  the  Gulf  Stream 
as  far  north  as  Rhode  Island  and  southward  to  Brazil.  Our  specimens 
are  from  Porto  Bello. 

358.  Priacanthus  cruentatus  (Lacepede).     (Plate  LII.) 

Labrus  cruentatus  Lacepede,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  Ill,  1802,  522 
(Martinique;  from  a  drawing  by  Plumier). 

Priacanthus  cepedianus  Desmarest,  Prem.  Dec.  Ichth.,  1823,  9,  PI.  I 
(Havana). 

Priacanthus  carolinus  Lesson,  Voy.  Coquille,  Zool.,  II,  1830,  224  (Caro- 
line Island). 

Priacanthus  cruentatus  Morrison,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1889,  162; 
Boulenger,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus.,  Ed.  II,  I,  1895,  352;  Jordan  & 
Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  1238;  Snodgrass 
&  Heller,  Proc.  Wash.  Ac.  Sci.,  VI,  1905,  373. 

Head  3.1  to  3.2;  depth  2.45  to  2.55;  D.  X,  12  or  13;  A.  Ill,  13 
or  14;  scales  88  to  90. 

Body  elongate,  compressed ;  the  ventral  profile  more  strongly  convex 
than  the  dorsal;  head  deep;  snout  short,  3.3  to  3.5  in  head;  eye  very 
large,  2  to  2.4  in  head ;  mouth  rather  large,  very  oblique ;  the  lower  jaw 
strongly  projecting;  maxillary  reaching  a  little  beyond  anterior  margin 
of  pupil,  1.8  to  1.87  in  head;  teeth  all  small,  in  villiform  bands  on 
jaws,  vomer  and  palatines;  preopercular  margin  very  finely  serrate, 
the  angle  developed  into  a  spine  which  varies  in  size,  very  large  in  one 


APRIL  15,  1925.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    489 

specimen,  rather  small  in  another,  sometimes  scarcely  more  prominent 
than  in  P.  arenatus;  margin  of  opercle  with  2  indentations,  one  above 
and  behind  tip  of  preopercular  spine  as  in  P.  arenatus,  and  another 
larger  U-shaped  one  under  tip  of  preopercular  spine ;  gill-rakers  slender. 
16  to  18  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch;  scales  small,  ctenoid,  reduced  on 
head;  dorsal  fin  continuous,  with  10  graduated  spines,  the  soft  part 
only  a  little  higher  than  the  spines,  its  outer  margin  convex;  caudal 
fin  very  slightly  double  concave,  the  upper  rays  longest;  anal  fin  with 
3  slender  graduated  spines,  the  soft  part  similar  to  that  of  the  dorsal 
and  opposite  it ;  ventral  fins  moderate,  inserted  under  base  of  pectorals, 
equal  to  length  of  eye  and  snout;  pectoral  fins  very  short,  1.7  to  1.75 
in  head. 

Color  in  alcohol  light  brownish  above,  sides  and  lower  parts  pale 
silvery;  one  of  our  specimens  has  indications  of  about  6  dark  bars  on 
back;  another  specimen  has  brownish  blotches  on  lower  part  of  sides; 
fins  mostly  pale,  all,  except  the  pectorals,  more  or  less  punctulate; 
punctulations  most  numerous  on  distal  parts  of  fins;  the  vertical  fins 
with  more  or  less  distinct  dark  spots.  Color  in  life  mostly  brilliantly 
red. 

We  have  3  specimens  of  this  species,  respectively  200,  240  and  255 
mm.  in  length.  One  of  our  specimens  was  purchased  in  the  market  and 
the  other  two  were  taken  on  a  coral  reef  by  the  use  of  dynamite. 

The  size  of  the  preopercular  spine,  owing  to  variation,  appears  to  be 
of  little  specific  value,  but  the  relative  position  of  the  ventral  fins,  the 
number  of  gill-rakers  and  the  notches  in  the  preopercular  margin 
readily  distinguish  the  species.  These  differences  have  been  pointed 
out  in  the  key  to  the  species. 

Known  from  both  the  Atlantic  and  Pacific  oceans;  recorded  from 
the  West  Indies,  Rio  de  Janeiro,  and  the  Galapagos,  Revillagigedo, 
and  Cocos  islands.  Not  as  yet  taken  on  the  Pacific  coast  of  Panama. 
Our  specimens  are  from  Colon  and  Porto  Bello. 

139.  Genus  Pseudopriacanthus  Bleeker. 

Pseud opriacanthus  Bleeker,  Versl.  Ak.  Amsterdam,  2  ser.,  Ill,  1869, 
241   (type  Priacanthus  niphcmius  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes). 

This  genus  differs  from  Priacanthus  principally  in  the  larger  scales. 
25  to  50  in  lateral  series,  the  deeper  body,  the  depth  more  than  half 
the  length,  and  the  shorter  dorsal  and  anal ;  dorsal  rays  X,  1 1 ;  anal 
rays  III,  9  to  n. 


49Q    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

359.  Pseudopriacanthus  serrula  (Gilbert). 

Priacanthus  serrula  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1890,  450  (Alba- 
tross Station  2797,  Panama  Bay). 

Pseudopriacanthus  serrula  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 
XLVII,  1896,  1239;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV, 
1904,  101. 
Head  2.66;  depth  1.8;  D.  X,  n;  A.  Ill,  u;  scales  36. 

Body  ovate ;  snout  short,  5  in  head ;  eye  2.3 ;  interorbital  3.3 ;  mouth 
very  oblique;  maxillary  scarcely  reaching  vertical  from  middle  of  eye, 
half  the  length  of  head ;  teeth  all  small,  in  a  narrow  band  on  jaws  and 
vomer,  in  a  single  series  on  palatines;  preopercular  and  preorbital 
margin  serrate,  the  spines  at  angle  of  preopercle  enlarged;  gill-rakers 
short,  about  half  the  diameter  of  pupil,  about  16  on  lower  limb  of 
first  arch;  scales  along  middle  of  sides  conspicuously  enlarged,  the 
entire  head  scaly;  spinous  dorsal  high,  the  longest  spine  ^  length 
of  head,  the  first  and  last  spines  much  shorter;  anal  spines  similar  but 
shorter,  the  first  two  equal  and  longer  than  the  third,  their  length  half 
that  of  the  head;  ventral  fins  long,  reaching  beyond  origin  of  anal; 
pectoral  fins  short,  scarcely  reaching  vertical  from  vent. 

Color  in  spirits  light  olive;  sides  with  4  dark  cross-bars  wider 
than  interspaces,  the  last  on  base  of  caudal  peduncle ;  vertical  fins  dusky, 
the  soft  portions  more  or  less  speckled;  ventrals  black;  pectorals  pale. 

This  species  was  not  seen  by  us  and  is  known  only  from  a  single 
small  specimen,  44  mm.  long,  dredged  by  the  Albatross  in  Panama  Bay. 

Family  LIV.    Lutianidae. 

THE  SNAPPERS. 

Body  elongate,  compressed;  head  large,  with  prominent  crests  on 
skull ;  mouth  usually  large,  terminal  or  with  the  lower  jaw  more  or  less 
projecting;  teeth  rather  strong,  present  on  both  jaws  and  usually  on 
palatines  and  tongue;  premaxillaries  moderately  protractile;  maxillary 
long,  without  a  supplemental  bone ;  opercles  without  spines ;  preopercle 
serrate  or  entire;  gill-arches  4;  gill-rakers  short  or  long,  few  or  rather 
numerous;  gill-membranes  free  from  the  isthmus;  pseudobranchiee 
large;  lateral  line  present;  scales  ctenoid,  adherent,  completely  covering 
body  and  usually  the  sides  of  head ;  air  bladder  present ;  intestine  short, 
pyloric  caeca  few;  dorsal  fins  single  or  double,  with  10  to  12  rather 
strong  spines;  anal  fin  with  3  spines;  caudal  fin  emarginate  to  deeply 


APRIL  15,  1925.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    491 

forked ;  ventral  fins  thoracic,  with  I,  5  rays ;  pectorals  usually  rather 
long,  pointed.  A  large  family  of  warm-shore  fishes,  nearly  all  of  them 
being  of  much  economic  importance. 


KEY  TO  THE  GENERA. 

a.  Nostrils  far  apart,  the  anterior  one  situated  in  the  end  of  a 
tube  having  its  origin  just  behind  the  premaxillary ;  vomerine 
teeth  few,  molar.  Hoplopagrus,  p.  491. 

aa.  Nostrils  close  together,  neither  with  a  tube;  vomerine  teeth 
villiform. 

b.  Mouth  rather  large,  moderately  oblique;  palatines  with  teeth; 
dorsal  and  anal  each  with  fewer  than  16  rays. 

c.  Pterygoid  teeth  wanting;  dorsal  spines  10  or  u. 

d.  Gill-rakers  few  and  short,  fewer  than  12  on  the  lower  limb  of 
the  first  arch ;  the  caudal  lobes  not  especially  produced  in  adult. 

e.  Anal  fin  with  7  to  9  rays;  caudal  fin  emarginate  or  slightly 
forked.  Lutianus,  p.  493. 

ee.     Anal  fin  with  10  or  n  rays;  caudal  fin  well  forked. 

Rabirubia,  p.  514. 

dd.  Gill-rakers  long  and  numerous,  about  20  on  the  lower  limb  of 
the  first  arch;  caudal  lobes  much  produced  in  adult. 

Ocyurus,  p.  515. 

cc.  Pterygoid  teeth  present,  at  least  in  adult;  dorsal  spines  about  12 ; 
gill-rakers  long  and  slender,  about  17  or  18  on  the  lower  limb 
of  anterior  arch.  Rhomboplites,  p.  517. 

bb.  Mouth  rather  small,  very  oblique,  the  lower  jaw  strongly 
projecting;  no  teeth  on  palatines  or  tongue;  soft  dorsal  and  anal 
each  with  from  16  to  18  rays.  Xenichthys,  p.  518. 

140.  Genus  Hoplopagrus  Gill. 

Hoplopagrus  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1861,  78  (type  Hoplopa- 
grus guntheri  Gill). 

Body  rather  deep,  robust ;  head  deep ;  mouth  moderate,  the  maxillary 
failing  to  reach  eye;  teeth  in  the  jaws  blunt;  vomer  with  a  few  blunt 
teeth;  nostrils  far  apart,  the  anterior  one  just  behind  premaxillary  in 
the  end  of  a  barbel  or  tube ;  gill-rakers  few ;  dorsal  fin  continuous ;  the 
soft  parts  of  vertical  fins  scaly  at  base. 
A  single  species  of  this  genus  is  known. 


492    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

360.    Hoplopagrus  giintheri  Gill. 

Hoplopagrus  giintheri  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1862,  253  (Cape 
San  Lucas)  ;  Steindachner,  (Sitzb.  k.  Ak.  Wiss.  Wien,  LXXVII) 
Ichth.  Beitr.,  VI,  1878,  I,  PI.  I  (Altata,  Mexico)  ;  Jordan  &  Ever- 
mann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1898,  1244,  PI.  CXCVI, 
%•  5J3;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  101 
(Panama  Bay). 

Head  2.5  to  2.9;  depth  2.3  to  2.4;  D.  X,  13  or  14;  A.  Ill,  9;  scales 
47  to  50. 

Body  rather  deep,  compressed;  the  back  elevated;  anterior  profile 
evenly  convex  in  young,  slightly  concave  over  snout  in  large  specimens ; 
head  deep;  snout  moderate,  1.95  to  2.3  in  head;  eye  4  to  6.5;  mouth 
moderate,  slightly  oblique,  the  upper  jaw  projecting ;  maxillary  slipping 
under  preorbital,  failing  to  reach  anterior  margin  of  eye,  2.45  to  2.7 
in  head;  teeth  blunt,  those  in  jaws  anteriorly  in  bands  at  sides  in  a 
single  series;  two  of  the  teeth  at  sides  on  front  of  lower  jaw  more  or 
less  canine-like;  vomer  with  from  i  to  5  blunt  teeth;  preopercular 
margin  deeply  notched,  serrate;  gill-rakers  short,  7  or  8  on  lower  limb 
of  first  arch ;  scales  moderate,  the  series  above  lateral  line  parallel  with 
it,  6  rows  between  the  lateral  line  and  origin  of  dorsal;  soft  parts  of 
vertical  fins  with  scales  or  interradial  membranes  at  base  only ;  pectoral 
fins  with  a  patch  of  scales  at  base,  paired  fins  otherwise  naked ;  dorsal 
fin  long,  the  spines  strong,  the  fourth  usually  the  longest,  scarcely  as 
long  as  snout,  the  soft  part  pointed,  the  median  rays  produced ;  caudal 
fin  only  slightly  emarginate;  anal  fin  with  3  strong  spines,  the  second 
and  third  of  about  equal  length,  notably  shorter  than  the  longest  dorsal 
spine,  the  soft  portion  similar  to  that  of  the  dorsal;  ventral  fins 
moderate,  inserted  notably  nearer  origin  of  anal  than  tip  of  lower  jaw ; 
pectoral  fins  rather  long,  falcate,  i.i  to  1.2  in  head. 

Color  of  fresh  specimen,  230  mm.  in  length,  reddish,  with  pale  cross- 
bars on  sides ;  a  dark  blotch  at  base  of  last  rays  of  dorsal ;  iris  red ; 
pectorals  and  dorsal  reddish  yellow,  other  fins  dark  red.  The  pale 
cross-bars  disappear  in  the  adult  and  the  color  becomes  more  nearly 
uniform  dark  brown  in  spirits  (reddish  in  life). 

The  present  species  is  represented  by  6  specimens,  ranging  in  length 
from  230  to  515  mm.  It  is  not  abundant  on  the  coast  of  Panama  and 
it  is  rarely  seen  in  the  market. 

Known  from  Guaymas  to  Panama.  Our  specimens  are  from  Balboa 
and  Panama  City. 


APRIL  15,  1925.    FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    493 

141.  Genus  Lutianus  Bloch. 

Lutianus  Bloch,  Naturg.  Ausl.  Fische,  IV,  1790,  107  (type  Lutianus 

lutianus  Bloch). 
Mesoprion  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,   n,  1828,  441 

(type   Lutianus   lutianus   Bloch;   name   substituted    for   Lutianus, 

regarded  as  objectionable). 
Neomanis  Girard,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1858,  167  (type  Lobotes 

emarginatus  Baird  &  Girard  =  Labrus  griseus  Linnaeus). 
Raizero  Jordan  &  Fesler,  Kept.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  XVII,  1889-91 

(1893),  438  (type  Mesoprion  aratus  Giinther). 

Body  elongate,  compressed;  the  back  more  or  less  elevated;  head 
long ;  snout  more  or  less  pointed ;  nostrils  usually  close  together,  neither 
with  a  tube;  mouth  large;  each  jaw  with  a  band  of  teeth,  the  outer 
ones  usually  enlarged,  upper  jaw  with  2  to  4  canines  anteriorly ;  villiform 
teeth  present  on  vomer,  palatines  and  tongue;  preopercular  margin 
serrate,  with  or  without  a  shallow  notch  above  its  lower  posterior  angle ; 
gill-rakers  rather  few,  usually  present  only  on  lower  limb  of  arch; 
scales  moderate,  ctenoid,  wanting  on  head  or  present  only  at  nape ;  soft 
dorsal  and  anal  rays  scaly  at  base;  dorsal  spines  10  or  n,  not  separated 
from  the  soft  rays ;  caudal  fin  emarginate  or  slightly  forked ;  anal  rays 
7  to  9. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES. 

a.  Vomerine  patch  of  teeth  either  crescent-  or  diamond-shaped, 
without  a  median  backward  projection. 

b.  Vomerine  patch  of  teeth  diamond-shaped;  dorsal  fin  with  X, 
14  rays;  anal  fin  III,  9;  scales  above  lateral  line  not  throughout 
parallel  with  it,  6  or  7  rows  between  the  lateral  line  and  base 
of  first  dorsal  spine.  jordani,  p.  495. 

bb.  Vomerine  teeth  more  or  less  crescent-shaped,  no  median  back- 
ward projection;  anal  fin  with  III,  8  rays. 

c.  Dorsal  normally  with  XI,  13  rays;  scales  large,  series  above  the 
lateral  line  throughout  parallel  with  it,  usually  with  4  (rarely 
5)  rows  between  the  lateral  line  and  base  of  first  dorsal  spine; 
each  scale  on  side  with  a  pale  area,  forming  lines  along  the  rows 
of  scales.  aratus,  p.  496. 

cc.  Dorsal  normally  with  X,  14  rays ;  scales  somewhat  smaller,  never 
fewer  than  5  series  between  the  lateral  line  and  base  of  first 
dorsal  spine. 

d.  Scales  rather  large,  not  more  than   50  vertical  series  below 
lateral  line;  no  black  lateral  blotch. 


494    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

e.  Soft  part  of  dorsal  and  anal  not  greatly  elevated,  each  with 
convex  outline ;  series  of  scales  above  lateral  line  not  throughout 
parallel  with  it;  lateral  teeth  in  lower  jaw  notably  enlarged, 
canine-like. 

f .  Maxillary  moderate,  2.3  to  2.4  in  head ;  gill-rakers  7  or  8 ;  5  or 
6  rows  of  scales  between  the  lateral  line  and  base  of  first  dorsal 
spine.  noveinfasciatus,  p.  497. 

ff.  Maxillary  longer,  2.15  to  2.25  in  head;  gill-rakers  6;  6  or  7 
rows  of  scales  between  the  lateral  line  and  base  of  first  dorsal 
spine.  cyanopterus,  p.  499. 

ee.  Soft  dorsal  and  anal  elevated,  pointed ;  series  of  scales  above  the 
lateral  line  parallel  with  it;  5  or  6  rows  between  the  lateral  line 
and  base  of  first  dorsal  spine;  lateral  teeth  in  lower  jaw  not 
much  enlarged.  Colorado,  p.  500. 

dd.  Scales  small,  55  to  60  vertical  series  below  the  lateral  line ;  the 
series  above  lateral  line  very  oblique;  7  or  8  rows  between  the 
lateral  line  and  base  of  first  dorsal  spine;  soft  parts  of  dorsal 
and  anal  elevated,  more  or  less  pointed;  a  small  jet-black  lateral 
spot  present.  analis,  p.  501. 

aa.  Vomerine  patch  of  teeth  more  or  less  anchor-shaped,  with  a 
distinct  median  backward  projection. 

g.  Dorsal  normally  with  12  rays;  a  black  lateral  spot  present  at 
all  ages. 

h.  Gill-rakers  numerous,  10  or  n  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch; 
rows  of  scales  on  sides  with  dark  stripes  in  spirits ;  lateral  blotch 
very  large,  equal  to  or  larger  than  eye.  guttatus,  p.  503. 

hh.  Gill-rakers  fewer,  7  to  9  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch;  rows  of 
scales  not  marked  by  dark  stripes. 

i.  Mouth  oblique,  the  lower  jaw  projecting ;  eye  very  large,  about 
3.7  in  head  in  specimens  175  mm.  in  length;  body  chiefly  red, 
without  yellow  or  golden  horizontal  stripes;  rows  of  scales 
on  upper  part  of  sides  marked  by  narrow  bronze  stripes;  no 
stripes  on  head ;  lateral  blotch  very  large.  mahogoni,  p.  504. 

ii.  Mouth  nearly  horizontal,  terminal;  eye  moderate,  about  4.75 
in  head  in  specimens  175  mm.  in  length;  body  chiefly  greenish, 
with  3  golden  stripes  on  head  and  9  on  body ;  lateral  blotch  rather 
small,  rarely  as  large  as  eye.  synagris,  p.  5°5- 

gg.  Dorsal  normally  with  14  rays ;  black  lateral  spot  wanting,  except 
in  young  of  L.  ay  a. 

j.  Series  of  scales  above  lateral  line  not  throughout  parallel  with 
it;  rows  of  scales  without  silvery  stripes. 


APRIL  15,  1925.    FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    495 

k.       Gill-rakers  rather  numerous,  9  or  10  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch ; 

anal  fin  normally  with  9  rays ;  color  nearly  uniform  rose  red ; 

young  with  a  black  lateral  blotch.  aya,  p.  507. 

kk.    Gill-rakers  fewer,  7  or  8  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch;  anal 

normally  with  8  rays. 

I.  Scales  rather  small,  the  series  above  the  lateral  line  very  oblique, 
7  or  8  rows  between  the  lateral  line  and  base  of  first  dorsal 
spine ;  a  broad  white  bar  from  eye  to  angle  of  mouth. 

jocu,  p.  508. 

II.  Scales  rather  larger,  the  series  of  scales  above  lateral  line  less 
strongly  oblique,  usually  fewer  than  7  rows  between  the  lateral 
line  and  base  of  first  dorsal  spine;  no  white  bar  below  eye. 

m.  Body  rather  deep,  2.45  to  2.7  in  length ;  anterior  profile  notably 
concave  in  adult;  snout  long,  pointed,  2.4  to  3.25  in  head;  5 
or  rarely  6  rows  of  scales  between  the  lateral  line  and  base  of 
first  dorsal  spine;  rows  of  scales  not  marked  by  dark  lines 
or  only  faintly  so ;  caudal  fin  not  edged  with  black. 

apodus,  p.  509. 

mm.  Body  more  elongate,  2.65  to  2.9  in  length ;  anterior  profile  only 
slightly  concave  in  adult ;  snout  shorter  and  less  strongly  pointed, 
2.55  to  3.2  in  head ;  6  or  rarely  7  rows  of  scales  between  the 
lateral  line  and  base  of  first  dorsal  spine;  rows  of  scales  on 
sides  marked  by  dark  lines ;  caudal  fin  edged  with  black. 

griseus,  p.  511. 

jj.  Series  of  scales  above  lateral  line  parallel  with  it;  5  or  6  rows 
betwe.en  the  lateral  line  and  base  of  first  dorsal  spine ;  gill-rakers 
in  moderate  numbers,  8  or  9  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch ;  rows 
of  scales  on  sides  marked  with  more  or  less  distinct  silvery 
streaks.  argentiventris,  p.  513. 

361.  Lutianus  Jordan!  (Gilbert). 

Neomcenis  jordani  Gilbert,  in  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat. 

Mus.,  XLVII,  1898,  1251  (Panama  Bay). 
Lutianus  jordani  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  102, 

PI.  XIV,  fig.  29  (Panama  Bay)  ;  Snodgrass  &  Heller,  Proc.  Wash. 

Ac.  Sci.,  VI,  1905,  375  (Cocos  Island). 

Head  2.8  to  2.95;  depth  2.75;  D.  X,  14;  A.  Ill,  9;  vertical  series 
of  scales  below  lateral  line  45  or  46. 

Body  elongate ;  the  dorsal  region  elevated ;  profile  straight  or  slightly 
convex  over  snout  and  eyes;  head  rather  short;  snout  short,  pointed, 
3  to  3.4  in  head;  eye  3.7  to  4.05;  mouth  large,  terminal,  oblique; 


496    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

maxillary  reaching  to  or  past  middle  of  eye,  2.2  to  2.3  in  head;  upper 
jaw  anteriorly  with  one  or  two  canines,  lower  jaw  anteriorly  with 
enlarged  teeth ;  vomerine  teeth  in  a  diamond-shaped  patch ;  teeth  on 
tongue  in  a  very  broad  band ;  preopercular  margin  finely  serrate,  with  a 
rather  prominent  notch  above  its  lower  posterior  angle ;  gill-rakers  rather 
few,  7  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch;  scales  moderate,  the  series  above 
lateral  line  not  throughout  parallel  with  it,  6  or  7  rows  between  the 
lateral  line  and  origin  of  the  dorsal ;  caudal  fin  almost  wholly  covered  with 
scales;  soft  parts  of  dorsal  and  anal  scaly  at  base;  dorsal  fin  scarcely 
notched,  the  spines  strong,  the  fourth  the  longest,  equal  to  length  of 
snout  and  half  the  eye,  the  soft  part  rather  low,  with  gently  convex 
outline;  caudal  fin  posteriorly  broadly  emarginate;  anal  fin  with  3 
graduated  spines,  the  soft  portion  shorter  but  similar  to  that  of  the 
dorsal;  ventral  fins  inserted  a  little  nearer  origin  of  anal  than  tip  of 
lower  jaw;  pectoral  fins  pointed,  1.15  to  1.25  in  head. 

Color  of  preserved  specimens  dark  brown  above,  lower  parts  paler ; 
the  bases  of  the  scales  on  lower  part  of  sides  pale;  no  lines  on  head; 
no  lateral  spot ;  the  pectorals  pale,  all  the  other  fins  dusky. 

This  species,  although  originally  described  from  Panama,  was  not 
taken  by  us.  It  is  here  described  from  2  specimens  from  Cocos  Island, 
deposited  in  the  National  Museum. 

Known  from  the  Pacific  coast  of  Costa  Rica,  Panama  and  Cocos 
Island. 

362.  Lutianus  aratus  (Giinther). 

Mesoprion  aratus  Giinther,  Proc.  Zool.  Soc.  London,  1864,  145  (Pana- 
ma;  Chiapam,   Guatemala);    Boulenger,   Boll.    Mus.   Zool.   Anat. 
Torino,  XIV,  No.  335,  1899,  2  (Sta.  Elena  Bay,  Ecuador). 
Lut janus  aratus  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1881,  355. 
Neomanis  aratus  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII, 

1898,  1273. 

Lutianus  aratus  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904, 
103   (Panama  Bay)  ;  Kendall  &  Radcliffe,  Memoir.  Mus.  Comp. 
Zool.,  XXXV,  1912,  112  (Perico  Island,  Panama  Bay). 
Head  2.7  to  3.1 ;  depth  2.7  to  3.5;  D.  XI,  13;  A.  Ill,  8;  scales  42 
to  47. 

Body  elongate,  compressed;  the  dorsal  region  little  elevated;  an- 
terior profile  nearly  evenly  convex;  head  rather  long;  snout  pointed, 
2.85  to  3.5  in  head;  eye  3.8  to  5.35;  mouth  moderate,  slightly  oblique, 
terminal;  maxillary  reaching  nearly  or  quite  opposite  middle  of  eye, 
2.25  to  2.5  in  head;  teeth  in  the  jaws  anteriorly  in  bands,  posteriorly 


APRIL  15,  1925.    FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    497 

in  a  single  series  in  lower  jaw,  the  outer  series  in  each  jaw  enlarged, 
2  in  anterior  part  of  upper  jaw  canine-like;  patch  of  vomerine  teeth 
crescent-shaped;  palatine  and  tongue  with  bands  of  villiform  teeth; 
preopercular  margin  serrate,  slightly  notched  just  above  its  lower 
posterior  angle;  gill-rakers  rather  long,  7  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch; 
scales  large,  the  series  above  lateral  line  parallel  with  it,  those  below 
it  horizontal,  4  or  5  rows  between  the  lateral  line  and  origin  of  dor- 
sal; caudal  fin  almost  completely  scaled  in  adult,  with  scales  on  base 
only  in  young;  dorsal,  anal  and  pectorals  with  scales  on  base;  dor- 
sal fin  long,  the  spines  stiff,  the  last  3  or  4  spines  all  of  about  equal 
length,  the  third  or  fourth  spine  the  longest,  equal  to  length  of  snout 
and  about  half  the  eye,  the  soft  part  of  fin  notably  higher  than  the 
posterior  spines,  with  strongly  convex  margin ;  caudal  fin  deeply  con- 
cave, the  lobes  acute;  anal  fin  with  3  graduated  spines,  the  longest 
equal  to  length  of  eye,  the  soft  portion  similar  to  that  of  the  dorsal, 
but  shorter;  ventral  fins  moderate,  inserted  midway  between  the  tip 
of  lower  jaw  and  the  origin  of  the  anal  or  slightly  nearer  the  former ; 
pectoral  fins  rather  long  in  adult,  slightly  falcate,  1.15  to  1.4  in  head. 

Color  in  alcohol  dark  brown  above,  pale  below;  each  scale  on 
sides  with  a  pale  area,  forming  pale  lines  along  the  rows  of  scales* 
these  most  distinct  below  lateral  line;  dorsal,  caudal  and  anal  dusky; 
ventrals  pale  at  base,  with  dark  tips ;  pectoral  pale,  with  dark  brown 
axil;  sides  in  young  with  about  6  pale  or  silvery  vertical  stripes,  dis- 
appearing when  the  fish  reaches  a  length  of  about  170  mm. 

We  obtained  9  specimens,  ranging  in  length  from  125  to  447  mm. 
This  species  appears  to  be  rather  rare  on  the  coast  of  Panama,  and 
it  is  rarely  seen  in  the  market. 

Known  from  Mazatlan  to  Ecuador.  Our  specimens  are  from  Ta- 
boga  Island,  Chame  Point,  Balboa  and  Panama  City. 

363.  Lutianus  novemfasciatus  Gill. 

Lutjanus  novemfasciatus  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1862,  251 

(Cape  San  Lucas). 
Mesoprion  pacificus  Bocourt,  Ann.   Sci.   Nat.,   5   ser.,  X    1868,  223 

(Tauesco,  Pacific  coast  of  Guatemala). 
Lutjanus  prieto  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1881,  353 

(Mazatlan). 
Lutjanus  pacificus  Vaillant  &  Bocourt,  Miss.  Sci.  Mex.,  etc.,  Pt.  IV, 

I883,    I23,  PI.   Ill,  fig.  2. 

Neomcenis  novemfasciatus  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 
XLVII,  1898,  1252. 


498    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

Lutianus  novemfasciatus  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV, 

1904,  102  (Panama  Bay). 

Head  2.4  to  2.75;  depth  2.9  to  3.2;  D.  X,  14  (rarely  13)  ;  A.  Ill, 
8;  scales  in  horizontal  series  below  lateral  line  43  to  48. 

Body  very  elongate,  compressed;  the  dorsal  region  not  much  ele- 
vated; profile  nearly  straight  and  oblique  over  snout  and  eyes;  head 
rather  low;  snout  moderately  long,  2.8  to  3.4  in  head;  eye  4  to  5.7; 
mouth  large,  slightly  oblique,  terminal;  maxillary  reaching  nearly  or 
quite  opposite  middle  of  eye,  2.3  to  2.4  in  head;  teeth  in  the  jaws 
anteriorly  in  bands,  reduced  to  a  single  enlarged  series  posteriorly  in 
lower  jaw,  upper  jaw  anteriorly  with  a  single  pair  of  large  canines, 
lower  jaw  with  from  5  to  7  canines  on  each  side;  vomerine  teeth  in 
a  triangular  or  more  or  less  crescent-shaped  patch,  no  median  pos- 
terior prolongation;  palatines  with  a  band  of  minute  teeth;  tongue 
with  a  large  oval-shaped  patch  of  teeth  preceded  by  2  or  3  smaller 
patches;  opercular  margin  finely  serrate,  scarcely  notched  above  its 
lower  posterior  angle;  gill-rakers  few,  7  or  8  on  lower  limb  of  first 
arch;  scales  rather  large,  series  above  lateral  line  oblique,  those  be- 
low it  nearly  or  quite  horizontal,  5  or  6  rows  between  the  lateral  line 
and  origin  of  dorsal;  caudal  fin  with  small  scales  on  lower  half  or 
two-thirds,  base  of  soft  parts  of  dorsal  and  anal  and  the  base  of  pec- 
torals scaly ;  dorsal  fin  long,  scarcely  notched,  the  spines  rather  strong, 
the  third  or  fourth  the  longest,  equal  to  or  a  little  longer  than  snout, 
the  soft  part  rather  high,  with  strongly  convex  outline;  caudal  fin 
posteriorly  moderately  concave,  not  forked;  anal  fin  with  3  gradu- 
ated spines,  the  longest  about  two-thirds  the  length  of  the  longest 
dorsal  spine,  the  soft  portion  similar  to  that  of  the  dorsal;  ventral 
fins  moderate,  inserted  notably  nearer  origin  of  anal  than  tip  of  lower 
jaw;  pectoral  fins  pointed  in  adult,  1.35  to  1.5  in  head. 

Color  in  alcohol  uniform  dark  brown  above,  silvery  below;  no 
lateral  spot,  and  no  lines  along  the  rows  of  scales;  dorsal  and  cau- 
dal dusky;  anal  fin  mostly  black,  with  the  first  and  last  rays  paler; 
ventrals  largely  white,  with  dusky  on  distal  parts;  pectorals  with 
brown  axil  and  base,  elsewhere  plain  translucent. 

This  snapper  is  represented  in  the  present  collection  by  4  speci- 
mens, ranging  in  length  from  91  to  390  mm.  It  appears  to  be  rare 
on  the  Pacific  coast  of  Panama.  Our  largest  specimen  was  taken  in  a 
tidal  stream  several  miles  from  the  shores  of  the  Bay.  The  species 
is  said  to  reach  a  large  size. 

Known  from  Lower  California  south  to  the  Galapagos  Islands. 
Our  specimens  are  from  Chame  Point  and  Corozal. 


APRIL  15,  1925.    FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    499 

364.  Lutianus  cyanopterus  (Cuvier  &  Valenciennes.). 

Mesoprion  cyanopterus  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  II, 

1828,  472  (Brazil). 
f 'Mesoprion  pargus  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  II,  1828, 

473  (Puerto  Rico). 

Lut janus  cynodon  Poey,  Syn.  Pise.  Cub.,  1868,  294. 
Mesoprion  cynodon  Poey,  Repertorio,  II,  1868,  268  (not  of  Cuvier  & 

Valenciennes). 

Lut  janus  cubera  Poey,  Ann.  Lye.  Nat.  Hist.  N.  Y.,  X,  1871,  75  (Cuba). 
Lutjanus  dentatus  Dumeril,  in  Vaillant  &  Bocourt,  Miss.  Sci.  Mex., 

etc.,  Pt.  IV,  1883,  125. 

Lutjanus  cyanopterus  Jordan,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1886,  534. 
Neom&nis  cyano\pterus  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

XLVII,  1898,  1254. 

Head  2.6  to  2.75 ;  depth  2.8  to  3.05 ;  D.  X,  14 ;  A.  Ill,  8 ;  horizontal 
series  of  scales  below  lateral  line  48  to  50. 

Body  elongate;  the  back  not  much  elevated;  profile  straight  or 
slightly  convex  over  snout  and  eyes;  head  rather  long;  snout  moder- 
ate, 2.7  to  3.3.  in  head;  eye  3.8  to  5.8;  mouth  large,  terminal,  slightly 
oblique;  maxillary  reaching  to  anterior  margin  of  eye  in  large  ex- 
amples, to  middle  of  eye  in  young,  2.15  to  2.25  in  head;  upper  jaw 
with  one  or  two  pairs  of  canines,  4  or  5  strong  canines  on  each  side 
of  lower  jaw;  vomerine  teeth  in  a  crescent-shaped  patch,  without  a 
median  backward  projection ;  palatine  teeth  in  prominent  bands ;  teeth 
on  tongue  in  an  elongate  patch,  preceded  by  two  or  three  smaller 
patches;  preopercular  margin  finely  serrate,  with  a  broad  but  slight 
indentation  above  its  lower  posterior  angle;  gill-rakers  few,  6  on 
lower  limb  of  first  arch;  scales  rather  small,  the  series  above  lateral 
line  not  throughout  parallel  with  it,  6  or  7  rows  between  the  lateral 
line  and  origin  of  dorsal ;  soft  parts  of  vertical  fins  scaly  at  base  only ; 
dorsal  fin  not  very  deeply  notched,  the  spines  rather  slender,  the  third 
or  fourth  the  longest,  equal  to  length  of  snout  in  young,  proportion- 
ately shorter  in  adult,  the  soft  part  not  greatly  elevated,  its  outline 
broadly  convex;  caudal  fin  not  deeply  concave,  nearly  straight  in 
young;  anal  fin  with  3  graduated  spines,  the  soft  part  shorter  but 
similar  to  that  of  the  dorsal ;  ventral  fins  inserted  slightly  nearer  origin 
of  anal  than  tip  of  lower  jaw,  pectoral  fins  moderate,  pointed  in  adult, 
1.25  to  1.5  in  head. 

Color  in  alcohol  dark  grayish  brown  above ;  pale  below,  with  brown 
punctulations ;  center  of  scales  on  lower  part  of  sides  pale,  making  pale 
streaks  along  the  rows  of  scales ;  no  dark  lateral  spot ;  no  markings  on 


5OO    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

head;  dorsal,  caudal,  anal  and  distal  third  of  ventrals  very  dark;  base 
of  ventrals  and  pectoral  fins  pale. 

Only  3  specimens,  ^nd  the  head  of  a  fourth,  a  large  speci- 
men about  700  mm.  in  length,  were  preserved.  The  whole  specimens 
at  hand  vary  from  130  to  445  mm.  in  length. 

This  species  is  very  closely  related  to  L.  novemfasciatus  from  the 
Pacific  coast,  from  which  it  can  scarcely  be  separated.  From  the 
limited  number  of  specimens  which  we  have  for  comparison,  the  two 
species  appear  to  differ  slightly  in  the  length  of  the  maxillary,  which 
appears  to  be  a  little  longer  in  the  Atlantic  coast  form,  which  also 
seems  to  have  one  or  two  fewer  gill-rakers  on  the  lower  limb  of  the 
first  arch,  and  usually  one  more  row  of  scales  between  the  lateral 
line  and  origin  of  dorsal.  The  color  appears  to  be  identical. 

Known  from  the  West  Indies  south  to  Brazil.  Our  specimens  are 
from  Toro  Point,  Mindi  Cut  and  Porto  Bello. 

365.  Lutianus  Colorado  Jordan  &  Gilbert. 

Lut janus  Colorado  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1881,  338, 

351,  355  (Mazatlan). 
Neom&nis  Colorado  Jordan  &  Evermann,   Bull.   U.   S.   Nat.   Mus., 

XLVII,  1898,  1267. 
fMesoprion  griseus  Boulenger,  Boll.  Mus.  Zool.  Anat.  Torino,  XIV, 

No.  346,  1899,  2  (after  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes;  recorded  from  Rio 

Tuyra,  Panama,  without  comment). 
Lutianus  Colorado  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904, 

103  (Panama  Bay). 

Head  2.65  to  2.9;  depth  2.6  to  2.8;  D.  X,  14;  A.  Ill,  8;  scales  in 
horizontal  series  below  lateral  line  42  to  46. 

Body  elongate,  compressed;  the  back  elevated;  anterior  profile 
convex  at  all  ages-;  head  rather  short;  snout  moderately  blunt,  2.7  to 
3.35  in  head;  eye  4.1  to  5.8;  mouth  rather  large,  low,  terminal,  nearly 
horizontal ;  maxillary  reaching  to  or  somewhat  past  the  middle  of  eye, 
2.25  to  2.5  in  head;  two  or  three  pairs  of  canines  in  anterior  part  of 
upper  jaw ;  the  lateral  teeth  in  lower  jaw  not  greatly  enlarged ;  vomer- 
ine  teeth  in  a  crescent-shaped  patch,  no  median  backward  extension; 
palatine  teeth  in  rather  board  bands;  tongue  with  a  broad  patch  of 
teeth  posteriorly,  preceded  by  one  or  two  smaller  patches;  preoper- 
cular  margin  finely  serrate,  with  a  moderately  developed  indentation 
above  lower  posterior  angle;  gill-rakers  rather  few,  7  or  8  on  lower 
limb  of  first  arch;  scales  moderate,  the  series  above  lateral  line 
parallel  with  it,  those  below  lateral  line  horizontal,  5  or  6  rows  be- 


APRIL  15,  1925.    FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    501 

tween  the  lateral  line  and  origin  of  dorsal;  all  the  fins,  except  the 
ventrals,  more  or  less  scaly  at  base;  dorsal  fin  scarcely  notched,  the 
spines  strong,  the  third  or  fourth  the  longest,  equal  to  length  of  snout 
in  adult,  proportionately  longer  in  young,  the  median  part  of  soft 
dorsal  elevated,  the  margin  acute;  caudal  fin  concave  posteriorly  but 
not  forked;  anal  fin  with  3  strong  spines,  the  second  the  longest,  but 
failing  to  reach  the  tip  of  the  third  when  deflexed,  the  soft  portion 
high,  with  acute  outline ;  ventral  fins  inserted  notably  nearer  origin  of 
anal  than  tip  of  lower  jaw;  pectorals  moderate,  i.i  to  1.25  in  head. 

Color  in  life  red,  darker  above  than  below;  each  scale  on  upper 
part  of  side  with  dark  base;  no  blue  lines  on  head;  no  lateral  spot; 
fins  largely  red.  Color  in  spirits  dark  brown  above,  chest  and  ab- 
domen pale  silvery,  or  punctulate;  vertical  fins  mostly  dusky;  paired 
fins  pale. 

This  species  is  represented  by  14  specimens,  ranging  from  100  to 
435  mm.  in  length.  This  snapper  is  rather  rare  and  was  not  observed 
in  the  markets.  Most  of  our  specimens  were  taken  in  tide  streams  in 
very  muddy  and  often  slightly  brackish  water. 

Known  from  Guyamas  south  to  Panama.  Our  specimens  are  from 
Chame  Point,  Balboa  and  Corozal. 

366.  Lutianus  analis  (Cuvier  &  Valenciennes). 

Mesoprion  analis  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  II,  1828, 

452  (San  Domingo). 

Mesoprion  sobra  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  II,  1828, 

453  (Martinique). 

Mesoprion  isoodon  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  IX,  1833, 

443  (San  Domingo). 
Mesoprion  rosaceiis  Poey,  Ann.  Lye.  Nat.  Hist.  N.  Y.,  IX,  1870,  317 

(Cuba). 
Lut janus  analis  Poey,  Enumeratio,  1875,  29;  Fowler,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat. 

Sci.  Phila.,  1917,  132  (Colon). 
Lutjanus  rosaceus  Poey,  Enumeratio,  1875,  30. 
Neom&nis  analis  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII, 

1898,  1265,  PI.  CXCVIII,  fig.  517. 

Head  2.65  to  2.85;  depth  2.5  to  2.75;  D.  X,  14  (very  rarely  13)  ; 
A  III,  8;  scales  in  horizontal  series  below  lateral  line  55  to  60. 

Body  elongate,  compressed;  the  dorsal  region  moderately  elevated; 
anterior  profile  gently  convex;  head  rather  deep;  snout  long,  2.2  to 
2.9  in  head;  eye  3.7  to  5.1 ;  mouth  moderate,  terminal,  slightly  oblique; 
maxillary  reaching  to  or  a  little  past  anterior  margin  of  eye  in  young, 


502    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

failing  to  reach  eye  in  adult,  2.3  to  2.55  in  head;  teeth  in  jaws  an- 
teriorly in  villiform  bands,  reduced  to  a  single  series  posteriorly  in 
lower  jaw,  4  teeth  in  anterior  part  of  upper  jaw  enlarged,  canine-like; 
vomerine  teeth  more  or  less  triangular  in  shape,  no  median  backward 
projection;  palatine  teeth  in  narrow  bands;  teeth  on  tongue  minute, 
wanting  in  young;  preopercular  margin  sharply  serrate,  slightly 
notched  above  lower  posterior  angle;  gill-rakers  rather  few,  7  or  8, 
exclusive  of  rudiments,  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch;  scales  rather 
small,  the  series  above  lateral  line  oblique,  those  below  lateral  line 
becoming  more  nearly  horizontal,  7  or  8  rows  between  the  lateral 
line  and  origin  of  dorsal;  caudal  fin  mostly  covered  with  scales,  ven- 
trals  naked,  the  other  fins  with  small  scales  at  base  only;  dorsal  fin 
long,  not  deeply  notched,  the  spines  stiff,  the  fourth  the  longest,  equal 
to  or  a  little  shorter  than  snout,  the  soft  part  of  the  fin  high,  the  me- 
dian rays  produced  in  adult,  acute  ;  caudal  fin  deeply  concave  posteri- 
orly, but  scarcely  forked,  both  lobes  acute;  anal  fin  with  3  graduated 
spines,  the  longest  one  slightly  exceeding  diameter  of  eye,  the  soft 
portion  similar  to  that  of  the  dorsal  ;  ventral  fins  rather  long,  inserted 
somewhat  nearer  origin  of  anal  than  tip  of  lower  jaw;  pectoral  fins 
pointed  in  adult,  1.2  to  1.5  in  head. 

Color  of  a  fresh  specimen  dull  greenish  brown  above,  yellowish 
green  below,  with  a  tinge  of  red  on  chest  and  abdomen;  sides  with 
about  6  indistinct  dusky  bars;  a  jet  black  spot,  smaller  than  the  eye, 
on  the  lateral  line  under  the  anterior  rays  of  the  soft  dorsal;  besides 
these  there  are  about  6  irregular  oblique  blue  stripes  on  sides;  sides 
of  head  with  a  blue  line  from  interorbital  through  eye  to  upper  angle 
of  gill  opening,  another  blue  line  extending  from  upper  jaw  below 
eye  where  it  forks,  the  upper  branch  ending  at  upper  angle  of  gill- 
opening,  the  lower  branch  extending  to  posterior  angle  of  opercle, 
a  third  blue  line  extending  from  just  above  angle  of  mouth  to  mar- 
gin of  opercle;  fins  all  reddish;  anal  and  ventrals  brick  red;  caudal 
with  black  margin  posteriorly.  The  bright  colors  disappear  in  spirits, 
leaving  the  upper  part  of  sides  grayish,  and  the  lower  party  silvery; 
rows  of  scales  on  back  usually  marked  by  wavy  dark  lines  :  the  bluish 
lines  on  sides  of  head  usually  remaining  as  dark  lines.  The  dusky 
cross-bars  are  noticeable  only  in  specimens  of  about  150  mm.  and  less 
in  length. 

More  than  100  specimens,  ranging  from  50  to  335  mm.  in  length, 
were  preserved.  This  species  is  seen  in  the  markets  daily. 

Known  from  Massachusetts  to  Brazil.  Our  specimens  are  from 
Toro  Point,  Cristobal,  Colon  and  Porto  Bello. 


IffUM 

'vfrutrci  MI 

APRIL  15,  1925.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    503 

367.  Lutianus  guttatus  (Steindachner). 

Mesoprion  guttatus  Steindachner,    (Sitzb.  k.  Ak.  Wiss.  Wien,  LX) 

Ichth.  Notizen,  IX,  1869,  18,  PI.  VIII  (Mazatlan)  ;  Boulenger,  Boll. 

Mus.  Zool.  Anat.  Torino,  XIV,  No.  335,  1899,  2  (Sta.  Elena  Bay, 

Ecuador). 

Lut janus  guttatus  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1881,  354. 
Neomcenis  guttatus  Jordan   &   Evermann,   Bull.   U.    S.   Nat.    Mus., 

XLVII,  1898,  1269. 
Lutianus  guttatus  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904, 

103   (Panama  Bay)  ;  Kendall  &  Radcliffe,  Memoir.  Mus.  Comp. 

Zool.,  XXXV,  1912,  112  (Perico  Island,  Panama  Bay). 

Head  2.6  to  2.95 ;  depth  2.55  to  3;  D.  X,  12  (rarely  13)  ;  A.  Ill,  8; 
scales  47  to  52  in  horizontal  series  below  lateral  line. 

Body  elongate,  compressed;  the  dorsal  region  moderately  elevated; 
anterior .  profile  slightly  concave  over  snout  and  eyes  in  very  large 
specimens,  straight  to  gently  convex  in  young  ;*  head  moderate ;  snout 
pointed,  2.5  to  3.6  in  head;  eye  3.15  to  5.25;  mouth  rather  large, 
nearly  horizontal,  the  lower  jaw  slightly  projecting;  maxillary  reach- 
ing to  or  slightly  past  anterior  margin  of  pupil ;  teeth  in  the  jaws  an- 
teriorly in  narrow  villiform  bands,  reduced  to  a  single  series  posteri- 
orly in  lower  jaw,  4  teeth  in  anterior  part  of  upper  jaw  enlarged, 
canine-like;  vomerine  teeth  more  or  less  anchor-shaped,  the  median 
backward  prolongation  very  narrow  and  rather  short;  teeth  on  pala- 
tines and  tongue  minute,  in  narrow  bands ;  preopercular  margin  sharply 
serrate,  notched  above  lower  posterior  angle;  gill-rakers  rather  nu- 
merous, 10  or  n,  exclusive  of  rudiments,  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch; 
scales  moderate,  the  series  above  lateral  line  quite  oblique,  those  be- 
low it  becoming  horizontal,  7  rows  between  the  lateral  line  and  origin 
of  dorsal ;  caudal  fin  largely  scaly,  ventrals  naked,  the  other  fins  with 
a  few  scales  on  base  only;  dorsal  fin  long,  not  perceptibly  notched, 
the  spines  stiff,  the  fourth  usually  the  longest,  not  quite  as  long  as 
snout  and  half  the  eye,  the  soft  part  rather  high,  with  strongly  con- 
vex outline;  caudal  fin  rather  deeply  concave  posteriorly,  both  lobes 
acute;  anal  fin  with  3  graduated  spines,  the  longest  not  quite  as  long 
as  snout,  the  soft  portion  similar  to  that  of  the  dorsal;  ventral  fins 
moderate,  inserted  a  little  nearer  origin  of  anal  than  tip  of  lower  jaw ; 
pectoral  fins  pointed,  i.i  to  1.4  in  head. 

Color  of  a  fresh  specimen  greenish  above,  lower  part  of  sides  sil- 
very with  tinge  of  red,  chest  and  abdomen  pale  yellowish;  a  large 
jet  black  spot  present  on  and  above  lateral  line  below  base  of  anterior 
rays  of  soft  part  of  dorsal;  rows  of  scales  on  upper  part  of  sides 


504    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

marked  by  dark  greenish  yellow  spots  above  the  lateral  line,  becom- 
ing plain  yellow  below  it;  mouth  yellow  inside;  iris  golden;  dorsal 
and  caudal  reddish;  anal  and  ventrals  golden;  pectorals  pale.  There 
is  considerable  variation  among  specimens,  some  are  almost  wholly 
bright  red  on  sides.  The  distinctness  of  the  spots  on  scales  varies 
greatly  and  in  some  instances  the  spots  are  almost  wholly  wanting. 
Occasionally  the  soft  dorsal  is  distinctly  spotted  with  greenish  spots, 
but  usually  these  are  wholly  wanting.  The  bright  colors  disappear  in 
spirits,  leaving  the  upper  parts  pale  grayish  and  the  lower  parts  sil- 
very; the  spots  on  the  scales  become  dark.  No  indication  of  cross- 
bars in  the  young  has  been  noticed,  but  the  dark  lateral  spot  is  very 
large  and  distinct,  and  slightly  ocellated. 

This  species  is  represented  in  the  present  collection  by  40  speci- 
mens, ranging  in  length  from  40  to  465  mm.  It  is  the  most  common 
and  most  important  food  fish  of  the  family  on  the  Pacific  coast  of 
Panama. 

Known  from  Guaymas  to  Ecuador.  Our  specimens  are  from  Naos 
Island,  Balboa,  Corozal  and  the  Panama  City  market. 

368.  Lutianus  mahogoni  (Cuvier  &  Valenciennes). 

Mesoprion  mahogoni  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.   Poiss.,  II, 

1828,  447  (Martinique). 
Mesoprion  ricardi  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  II,  1828, 

447  (Martinique). 
Mesoprion  ojanco  Poey,  Memorias,  II,  1860,   150,  PI.  XIII,  fig.   10 

(Cuba). 

Lut janus  ojanco  Poey,  Enumeratio,  1875,  28. 

Lutjanus  mahogani  Jordan  &  Swain,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1884,  451. 
Neomcenis  mahogoni  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

XLVII,  1898,  1272. 

Head  2.65  to  2.8;  depth  2.6  to  2.95;  D.  X,  12;  A.  Ill,  8;  scales  in 
horizontal  series  above  lateral  line  57  to  63,  below  it  47  to  49. 

Body  rather  strongly  compressed;  the  back  elevated;  anterior  pro- 
file nearly  straight  to  slightly  concave  over  snout  and  eyes ;  head 
rather  large ;  snout  long,  pointed,  2.65  to  2.8  in  head ;  eye  very  large, 
3.7  to  4.05  in  head ;  mouth  rather  large,  somewhat  oblique,  the  lower 
jaw  slightly  projecting;  maxillary  reaching  to  or  slightly  past  anterior 
margin  of  pupil,  2.25  to  2.35  in  head;  teeth  in  the  jaws  in  villiform 
bands,  reduced  to  a  single  series  posteriorly  in  lower  jaw,  the  outer 
teeth  slightly  enlarged,  usually  4  in  anterior  part  of  upper  jaw  canine- 
like;  teeth  on  vomer  more  or  less  anchor-shaped,  with  the  median 


I  I 

APRIL  1 5,  1925.    FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    505 

backward  prolongation  very  narrow  and  rather  short;  teeth  on  pala- 
tines and  tongue  in  rather  narrow  bands;  preopercular  margin  ser- 
rate, notably  concave  above  its  lower  posterior  angle ;  gill-rakers  rather 
long  at  angle,  8  or  9  more  or  less  developed  on  lower  limb  of  first 
arch;  scales  moderate,  somewhat  reduced  anteriorly  above  lateral 
line,  the  series  quite  oblique,  those  below  lateral  line  horizontal,  6 
or  7  rows  between  the  lateral  line  and  origin  of  dorsal;  caudal  fin 
mostly  covered  with  scales,  soft  parts  of  dorsal  and  anal  and  the  pec- 
torals with  a  few  scales  at  base,  otherwise  naked ;  dorsal  fin  not  very 
deeply  notched,  the  spines  rather  slender,  the  fourth  usually  the  long- 
est, equal  to  or  slightly  longer  than  snout,  the  soft  part  moderately 
elevated,  with  strongly  convex  margin;  caudal  fin  rather  deeply  con- 
cave posteriorly  but  scarcely  forked,  both  lobes  acute;  anal  fin  with 
3  graduated  spines,  the  longest  equal  to  or  a  little  longer  than  eye, 
the  soft  portion  rather  high,  with  strongly  convex  margin;  ventral 
fins  moderate,  inserted  rather  notably  nearer  origin  of  anal  than  tip 
of  lower  jaw;  pectoral  fins  long,  sharply  pointed,  1.2  to  1.3  in  head. 

Color  in  life  chiefly  red;  the  back  deep  brown;  belly  largely  sil- 
very; a  large  black  blotch  on  lateral  line  under  anterior  part  of  soft 
dorsal ;  rows  of  scales  on  upper  part  of  sides  marked  by  narrow  bronze 
stripes ;  dorsal  fin  pale  at  base,  edged  with  red ;  the  other  fins  mostly 
deep  red.  The  bright  colors  fade  in  alcohol,  leaving  the  back  gray- 
ish brown,  the  lower  parts  silvery  and  the  fins  pale. 

This  apparently  rather  rare  species  is  represented  in  the  present 
collection  by  10  specimens,  ranging  in  length  from  230  to  300  mm. 
It  is  readily  distinguished  from  related  species  by  the  large  eye  and 
the  very  large  black  lateral  spot.  We  have  compared  our  specimens 
with  a  specimen  from  Cuba,  deposited  in  the  National  Museum,  and 
identified  by  Poey  as  L.  ojanco,  and  this  fish  and  our  specimens  are 
certainly  identical.  L.  ojanco  has  been  referred  to  the  synomy  of  L. 
tnahogoni. 

Known  from  the  West  Indies  to  Cartagena.  Our  specimens  are 
from  Toro  Point  and  Porto  Bello. 

369.  Lutianus  synagris  (Linnaeus). 

Spams  synagris  Linnaeus,  Syst.  Nat.,  Ed.  X,  1758,  280  (Bahamas). 

Sparus  vermicularis  Block  &  Schneider,  Syst.,  Ichth.,  1801,  275  (Mar- 
tinique; on  a  drawing  by  Plumier). 

Lutjanus  aubricti  Desmarest,  Prem.  Dec.  Ichth.,  1823,  17,  PI.  II, 
(Cuba). 


-          ™' 

506    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

Mesoprion  uninotatus  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  II, 

1828,  449  (San  Domingo;  Martinique). 
Lutjanus  uninotatus  Poey,  Syn.  Pise.  Cub.,  1868,  294. 
Lut janus  synagris  Poey,  Enumeratio,  1875,  27;  Fowler,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat. 

Sci.  Phila.,  1917,  132  (Colon). 
Neom&nis  synagris  Jordan   &  Evermann,   Bull.   U.   S.   Nat.    Mus., 

XLVII,  1898,  1270,  PI.  CXCVIII,  fig.  518. 

Head  2.6  to  2.75;  depth  2.45  to  2.7;  D.  X,  12;  A.  Ill,  8;  scales  in 
horizontal  series  below  lateral  line  46  to  53. 

Body  elongate,  compressed;  the  dorsal  region  elevated;  anterior 
profile  rather  steep,  nearly  straight  over  snout  and  eyes,  strongly 
convex  at  nape;  head  moderate;  snout  pointed,  2.7  to  3.45  in  head; 
eye  3.2  to  4.75 ;  mouth  rather  large,  terminal,  horizontal ;  maxillary 
reaching  nearly  or  quite  opposite  middle  of  eye,  2.25  to  2.4  in  head; 
teeth  in  the  jaws  anteriorly  in  villiform  bands,  reduced  to  a  single 
series  posteriorly  in  lower  jaw,  4  of  the  teeth  in  anterior  part  of  upper 
jaw  enlarged,  canine-like;  vomerine  teeth  in  an  anchor-shaped  patch, 
with  the  median  posterior  prolongation  rather  short  and  narrow ;  teeth 
on  palatines  and  tongue  in  narrow  bands;  preopercular  margin  sharp- 
ly serrate,  scarcely  notched  above  lower  posterior  angle;  gill-rakers 
rather  few,  8,  exclusive  of  rudiments,  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch; 
scales  moderate,  the  series  above  lateral  line  slightly  oblique  and  not 
parallel  with  it,  those  below  lateral  line  horizontal,  7  rows  between 
the  lateral  line  and  origin  of  dorsal;  dorsal  fin  continuous,  scarcely 
notched,  the  spines  stiff,  the  third  or  fourth  the  longest,  equal  to 
snout  and  about  one-third  the  length  of  eye,  the  soft  part  short,  the 
median  rays  the  longest,  making  its  outline  very  strongly  convex  to 
nearly  acute;  caudal  fin  deeply  concave  posteriorly,  both  lobes  acute; 
anal  fin  with  3  graduated  spines,  the  longest  a  little  longer  than  di- 
ameter of  eye,  the  soft  portion  similar  to  that  of  the  dorsal  but  less 
strongly  convex ;  ventral  fins  rather  long,  inserted  a  little  nearer  origin 
of  anal  than  tip  of  lower  jaw;  pectoral  fins  pointed,  1.2  to  1.45  in 
head. 

Color  of  fresh  specimen  greenish  above,  lower  parts  silvery;  sides 
with  about  9  horizontal  golden  bands,  3  on  sides  of  head;  a  large  jet 
black  spot  present  on  and  above  lateral  line  under  the  anterior  part 
of  soft  dorsal;  dorsal  and  caudal  reddish,  the  latter  with  black  mar- 
gin ;  anal  and  ventrals  largely  golden ;  pectorals  pale  pink.  The  young 
have  dusky  vertical  bars,  and  are  very  similar  to  the  young  of  L.  ana- 
lis.  Color  in  spirits  dusky  gray  above,  silvery  below;  the  golden 


APRIL  15,  1925.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.     507 

stripes  on  sides  fade  and  appear  as  pale  stripes;  the  fins  are  all  plain 
translucent. 

This  species  is  very  common  and  numerous  specimens,  ranging  in 
length  from  30  to  218  mm.,  were  preserved.  It  is  the  smallest  of  the 
snappers,  but  it  is  seen  in  the  markets  daily  and  is  extensively  used  as 
food.  It  enters  shallow  water  and  is  readily  taken  with  nets. 

Known  from  Florida  south  to  Brazil.  Our  specimens  are  from 
Toro  Point,  Mindi  Cut,  Mindi  Reef,  Colon  and  Porto  Bello. 

370.  Lutianus  aya  (Bloch). 

Bodianus  aya  Bloch,  Naturg.  Ausl.  Fische,  IV,  1790,  45,  PI.  CCXXVII 

(Brazil). 

Bodianus  ruber  Bloch  &  Schneider,  Syst.  Ichth.,  1801,  330  (Brazil). 
Mesoprion  campechanus  Poey,  Memorias,  II,  1860,  149  (Campeche). 
Lut janus  campechianus  Poey,  Syn.  Pise.  Cub.,  1868,  294. 
Lutjanus  aya  Goode,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  V,  1876,  55. 
Lutjanus  blackfordii  Goode  &  Bean,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1878,  176 

(Pensacola,  Fla.). 

Lutjanus  vivanus  Jordan  &  Swain,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1884,  453. 
Neomcenis  aya  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII, 

1898,  1264,  PI.  CXCVII,  fig.  516. 

Head  2.65  to  3 ;  depth  2.5  to  2.6 ;  D.  X,  14 ;  A.  Ill,  9 ;  horizontal 
series  of  scales  below  lateral  line  45. 

Body  elongate ;  the  back  elevated ;  anterior  profile  rather  steep,  nearly 
straight  to  nape ;  head  deep ;  snout  pointed,  2.7  to  2.8  in  head ;  eye  3.75 
to  4;  mouth  moderate,  terminal,  slightly  oblique;  maxillary  reaching 
nearly  or  quite  to  anterior  margin  of  pupil,  2.45  to  2.5  in  head;  upper 
jaw  anteriorly  with  3  or  4  pairs  of  rather  small  canines,  the  outer  teeth 
in  lower  jaw  somewhat  enlarged;  vomerine  teeth  in  an  anchor-shaped 
patch,  with  the  median  backward  prolongation  rather  short;  palatine 
teeth  in  rather  broad  bands ;  teeth  on  tongue  in  an  elongate  patch,  pre- 
ceded by  a  triangular  patch;  preopercular  margin  serrate,  no  evident 
notch  above  its  lower  posterior  angle;  gill-rakers  rather  numerous,  9 
or  10  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch;  scales  moderate,  the  series  above 
lateral  line  not  throughout  parallel  with  it,  7  or  8  rows  between  the 
lateral  line  and  origin  of  dorsal;  the  vertical  fins  scaly  at  base;  dorsal 
fin  not  notched,  the  spines  rather  slender,  the  fourth  spine  the  longest, 
equal  to  or  slightly  longer  than  the  snout,  the  soft  part  with  strongly 
convex  or  nearly  acute  outline;  caudal  fin  rather  deeply  emarginate, 
the  upper  rays  notably  the  longest ;  anal  fin  with  3  graduated  spines,  the 
soft  portion  of  fin  with  angulate  margin;  ventral  fins  inserted  some- 


508    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

what  nearer  origin  of  anal  than  tip  of  lower  jaw;  pectoral  fins  rather 
long,  pointed,  1.15  to  1.3  in  head. 

"Color  in  life,  deep  rose-red,  paler  on  throat;  bluish  streaks  along 
rows  of  scales,  above  becoming  fainter  and  disappearing  with  age ;  fins 
brick-red;  dorsal  bordered  with  orange,  with  a  narrow  blackish  edge; 
caudal  narrowly  edged  with  blackish;  eye  red;  a  large  blackish  blotch 
above  lateral  line  and  below  front  rays  of  soft  dorsal  in  young  speci- 
mens, this  spot  disappearing  with  age;  axil  of  pectoral  dusky"  (Jordan 
&  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1898,  p.  1265). 

This  species,  although  recorded  from  the  Atlantic  coast  from  local- 
ities both  north  and  south  of  Panama,  was  not  taken  there  by  us.  Here 
described  from  specimens  from  Long  Island  and  Florida,  ranging  in 
length  from  1 10  to  235  mm.  This  is  the  most  valuable  food  fish  of  this 
genus  on  the  coast  of  the  United  States. 

Recorded  from  Massachusetts  south  to  Rio  de  Janeiro,  Brazil. 

371.  Lutianus  jocu  (Bloch  &  Schneider). 

Anthias  jocu  Bloch  &  Schneider,  Syst.  Ichth.,  1801,  310  (Cuba). 
Mesoprion  jocu  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.   Poiss.,  II,  1828 

466. 
Mesoprion  litura  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  II,  1828 

467  (Cayenne;  St.  Thomas). 
Lut janus  jocu  Poey,  Syn.  Pise.  Cub.,  1868,  292. 
Neomcenis  jocu  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII, 

1898,  1257. 

Head  2.6  to  2.75;  depth  2.35  to  2.7;  D.  X,  14  (rarely  15)  ;  A.  Ill, 
8 ;  horizontal  series  of  scales  below  lateral  line  42  to  46. 

Body  elongate  compressed ;  the  back  elevated ;  profile  nearly 
straight  over  snout  and  eyes  in  young,  concave  in  adult;  head  deep; 
snout  long,  pointed,  2.25  to  2.85  in  head ;  eye  3.45  to  4.8 ;  mouth  rather 
large,  terminal,  nearly  horizontal;  maxillary  not  quite  reaching  eye  in 
adult,  to  anterior  margin  of  pupil  in  young,  2.45  to  2.7  in  head;  one, 
rarely  two,  pairs  of  canines  in  anterior  part  of  upper  jaw,  the  lateral 
teeth  in  lower  jaw  not  much  enlarged;  vomerine  teeth  in  an  anchor- 
shaped  patch,  the  median  backward  prolongation  well  developed ;  pala- 
tine teeth  in  narrow  bands ;  teeth  on  tongue  in  a  single  elongate  patch ; 
preopercular  margin  finely  serrate,  with  only  a  slight  indentation  above 
lower  posterior  angle;  gill-rakers  rather  few,  7  or  8  on  lower  limb 
of  first  arch;  scales  moderate,  the  series  above  very  oblique,  directed 
strongly  upward  and  backward,  those  below  lateral  line  horizontal,  7 
or  8  rows  between  the  lateral  line  and  origin  of  dorsal;  dorsal  fin 


APRIL  15,  1925.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.     509 

scarcely  notched,  the  spines  strong,  the  fourth  usually  the  longest,  equal 
to  length  of  snout,  the  soft  part  not  very  high,  its  margin  broadly  con- 
vex; caudal  fin  deeply  emarginate,  the  upper  rays  the  longest;  anal 
fin  with  3  strong  spines,  the  second  usually  slightly  the  longest,  reach- 
ing nearly  or  quite  to  tip  of  third  when  deflexed,  the  soft  portion  shorter 
but  similar  to  that  of  the  dorsal;  ventral  fins  inserted  notably  nearer 
origin  of  anal  than  tip  of  lower  jaw;  pectorals  moderate,  pointed,  1.15 
to  1.6  in  head. 

Color  of  fresh  specimen  dark  brown  above,  reddish  below;  bases 
of  scales  rusty  on  upper  part  of  side,  becoming  red  on  lower  part  of 
side,  forming  more  or  less  distinct  lines  along  the  rows  of  scales ;  sides 
of  head  with  a  blue  stripe  below  eye,  usually  broken  up  into  elongate 
spots  in  adult;  a  broad  whitish  bar  from  eye  to  angle  of  mouth,  very 
indistinct  or  wanting  in  young ;  fins  all  red,  the  dorsal  and  caudal  darker 
red  than  the  others.  Color  in  alcohol  brown  or  grayish  brown  above, 
pale  below ;  dorsal  and  caudal  dusky,  the  other  fins  mostly  pale.  There 
is  considerable  variation  among  specimens,  some  of  them  being  much 
darker  than  others.  The  dark  colored  specimens  have  the  dark  lines 
along  the  rows  of  scales  on  upper  part  of  body  much  more  distinct. 

This  species  is  represented  by  73  specimens,  ranging  in  length  from 
50  to  305  mm.  It  was  taken  along  with  L.  griseus  and  L.  apodus  but  is 
somewhat  less  abundant.  It  may  be  distinguished  from  both  L.  griseus 
and  L.  apodus  by  the  more  numerous  and  much  more  oblique  rows  of 
scales  between  the  lateral  line  and  the  origin  of  the  dorsal,  and  by  the 
presence  of  the  broad  white  bar  below  eye. 

Known  from  Massachusetts  south  to  Bahia,  Brazil.  Our  specimens 
are  from  Toro  Point,  Mindi  Cut,  Colon  and  Porto  Bello. 

372.  Lutianus  apodus  (Walbaum). 

fPerca  apoda   ("Forster,  Catal.  of  Anim.,  MS.,  21,"   1774;  printed 

1844)    Walbaum,  Artedi   Piscium,   Pt.   Ill,   1792,   351    (based  on 

Catesby,  Hist.  Carolina,  etc.,  1743,  PI.  XLI). 

Sparus  caxis  Bloch  &  Schneider,  Syst.  Ichth.,  1801,  284  (Havana). 
Bodianus  striatus  Bloch  &  Schneider,  Syst.  Ichth.,  1801,  335,  PI.  LXV 

(West  Indies;  misprinted  albostriatus,  p.  237;  called  B.  fasciatus 

on  plate). 
Lutjanus  acutirostris  Desmarest,  Prem.  Dec.  Ichth.,  1823,  12,  PL  III 

(Cuba). 
Mesoprion  cynodon  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  II,  1828, 

465  (Martinique;  San  Domingo). 


510    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

Mesoprion  linea  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  II,  1828,  468 

(Cuba;  San  Domingo). 
Mesoprion  flavescens  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  II, 

1828,472  (Martinique). 

Mesoprion  caxis  Poey,  Repertorio,  II,  1868,  269. 
Lutjanus  caxis  Poey,  Syn.  Pise.  Cub.,  1868,  293. 
Neomanis  apodus  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII, 

!898,  1258,  PI.  CXCVII,  fig.  515. 
Lutianus  apodus  Fowler,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1916,  402  (Toro 

Point;  Colon). 

Head  2.5  to  2.65;  depth  2.45  to  2.7;  D.  X.  14;  A.  Ill,  8;  horizontal 
series  of  scales  below  lateral  line  .37  to  41. 

Body  elongate,  compressed;  the  back  elevated;  anterior  profile 
straight  over  snout  in  young,  distinctly  concave  in  adult ;  head  moderate ; 
snout  long,  sharply  pointed,  2.4  to  3.25  in  head ;  eye  3.45  to  4.25 ;  mouth 
moderate,  terminal,  slightly  oblique ;  maxillary  reaching  to  or  more  usu- 
ally a  little  past  anterior  margin  of  eye,  2.25  to  2.6  in  head ;  upper  jaw 
anteriorly  with  one  or  two  pairs  of  canines,  lateral  teeth  in  lower  jaw 
enlarged;  vomerine  teeth  anchor-shaped,  the  median  backward  pro- 
longation long;  palatine  teeth  in  bands;  teeth  on  tongue  in  a  single 
elongate  patch ;  preopercular  margin  finely  serrate,  with  a  slight  inden- 
tation above  lower  posterior  angle;  gill-rakers  few,  7  or  8  on  lower 
limb  of  first  arch ;  scales  large,  the  series  above  lateral  line  for  the  most 
part  parallel  with  it,  occasionally  becoming  slightly  oblique  under  soft 
part  of  dorsal,  the  series  below  lateral  line  horizontal  or  slightly  oblique, 
5  or  rarely  6  rows  of  scales  between  the  lateral  line  and  origin 
of  dorsal;  the  vertical  fins  well  scaled  at  base;  dorsal  fin  scarcely 
notched,  the  spines  strong,  the  fourth  spine  usually  the  longest,  equal 
to  length  of  snout  in  adult,  proportionately  longer  in  young,  the  soft  part 
not  greatly  elevated,  with  broadly  convex  margin;  caudal  fin  deeply 
emarginate,  the  upper  rays  the  longest;  anal  fin  with  3  strong  spines, 
the  second  and  third  of  about  equal  length,  the  second  however  failing 
to  reach  the  tip  of  third  when  deflexed,  the  soft  portion  shorter  but 
similar  to  that  of  the  dorsal ;  ventral  fins  inserted  notably  nearer  origin 
of  anal  than  tip  of  lower  jaw;  pectoral  fins  rather  short,  1.25  to  1.5 
in  head. 

Color  in  life  greenish  above,  pale  below ;  the  rows  of  scales  on  upper 
part  of  side  faintly,  or  not  at  all,  marked  by  dark  lines ;  no  lateral  spot ; 
young  with  about  8  pale  vertical  bars  and  a  blue  stripe  on  head  below 
eye,  these  becoming  faint  or  disappearing  with  age ;  soft  parts  of  dorsal 
and  anal  greenish  yellow  at  base,  distal  parts  pale  green ;  caudal  fin  pale 


APRIL  15,  1925.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.     511 

yellowish  green ;  ventrals  orange ;  pectorals  pale  yellowish.  The  bright 
colors  disappear  in  spirits,  leaving  the  upper  part  of  body  greenish 
brown,  and  the  lower  parts  pale  silvery;  the  fins  are  pale  or  slightly 
dusky. 

More  than  100  specimens  of  this  species,  ranging  in  length  from  45 
to  300  mm.,  were  preserved.  This  snapper  is  a  very  common  commer- 
cial species  on  the  Atlantic  coast  of  Panama,  frequenting  shallow  water, 
apparently  without  regard  to  the  nature  of  the  bottom  or  the  condition 
of  the  water.  Some  of  our  specimens  were  taken  on  muddy  bottom, 
some  on  sandy  bottom  and  others  on  coral  reefs.  This  species  is  closely 
related  to  L.  griseus.  Due  to  much  individual  variation,  the  two  at 
times  can  scarcely  be  separated.  The  following  rather  slight  differences 
have  been  noted:  The  average  depth  of  body  in  L.  apodus  is  slightly 
greater,  the  anterior  profile  is  more  strongly  concave  in  adult,  the  snout 
longer  and  more  strongly  pointed  (not  evident  in  young),  the  rows  of 
scales  above  the  lateral  line  are  more  nearly  parallel  with  it,  and  the 
scales  are  slightly  larger,  there  being  usually  one  fewer  row  between 
the  lateral  line  and  origin  of  dorsal  and  2  or  3  fewer  in  the  lateral  series. 
L.  apodus  is  usually  lighter  in  color,  has  no  dark  lines,  or  at  least  less 
distinct  dark  lines,  along  the  rows  of  scales,  the  young  have  much  more 
distinct  light  cross-bars,  and  the  margin  of  the  caudal  fin  in  never  black. 

Known  from  Massachusetts  south  to  Bahia,  Brazil.  Our  specimens 
are  from  Toro  Point,  Mindi  Cut,  Colon  and  Porto  Bello. 

373.  Lutianus  griseus  (Linnaeus). 

Labrus  griseus  Linnaeus,  Syst.  Nat.,  Ed.  X,  1758,  283  (Bahamas). 

Sparus  tetracanthus  Bloch,  Naturg.  Ausl.  Fische,  V,  1791,  116,  PI. 

CCLXXIX  (Antilles;  on  a  drawing  by  Plumier). 
Anthias  caballerote  Bloch  &  Schneider,  Syst.  Ichth.,  1801,  310  (Cuba). 
Bodianus  vivanet  Lacepede,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  IV,  1803,  293,  PI.  IV, 

fig.  3  (Martinique;  on  a  drawing  by  Plumier). 
Mesoprion  griseus  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  II,  1828, 

469  (San  Domingo;  not  after  Linnaeus). 
Lobotes  emarginatus  Baird  &  Girard,  in  Baird,  9th  Kept.  Smith  Inst., 

1854  (1855),  332   (Beesley's  Pt,  New  Jersey). 
Mesoprion  caballerote  Poey,  Repertorio,  II,  1868,  157. 
Lutjanus  caballerote  Poey,  Syn.  Pise.  Cub.,  1868,  293. 
Lut janus  griseus  Jordan  &  Swain,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1884,  439. 
Neomanis  griseus  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII, 

1898,  1255. 


512    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

Head  2.6  to  2.9;  depth  2.65  to  2.9;  D.  X,  14  (rarely  13)  ;  A.  Ill,  8; 

scales  in  horizontal  series  below  lateral  line  39  to  45. 

Body  elongate,  compressed;  the  back  not  strongly  elevated;  an- 
terior profile  straight  or  slightly  concave  over  snout;  head  moderate; 
snout  rather  pointed,  2.55  to  3.2  in  head ;  eye  3.45  to  5.2 ;  mouth  large, 
terminal,  slightly  oblique ;  maxillary  reaching  nearly  or  quite  to  anterior 
margin  of  pupil,  2.35  to  2.55  in  head ;  upper  jaw  with  one  or  two  pairs 
of  canines,  the  lateral  teeth  in  lower  jaw  enlarged;  vomerine  teeth  in 
an  anchor-shaped  patch,  the  median  backward  prolongation  quite  long; 
palatine  teeth  in  long  bands;  tongue  with  a  single  elongate  patch  or 
band  of  teeth;  preopercular  margin  finely  serrate,  with  a  slight  inden- 
tation above  its  lower  posterior  angle ;  gill-rakers  rather  few,  7  or  8  on 
lower  limb  of  first  arch;  scales  moderate,  the  series  above  lateral  line 
not  parallel  with  it,  usually  directed  strongly  upward  under  anterior  part 
of  soft  dorsal,  the  series  below  lateral  line  usually  more  or  less  oblique 
and  occasionally  wavy,  6  or  rarely  7  rows  between  the  lateral  line  and 
origin  of  dorsal;  vertical  fins  well  scaled  at  base;  dorsal  fin  scarcely 
notched,  the  spines  strong,  the  fourth  usually  the  longest,  equal  to 
snout  and  from  one-third  to  one-half  of  eye,  the  soft  part  moderately 
elevated,  the  margin  strongly  convex;  caudal  fin  emarginate,  the  upper 
rays  the  longest;  anal  fin  with  3  strong  spines,  the  second  and  third  of 
about  equal  length,  the  second,  however,  failing  to  reach  the  tip  of  third 
when  deflexed,  the  soft  portion  with  strongly  convex  outline;  ventral 
fins  inserted  notably  nearer  origin  of  anal  than  tip  of  lower  jaw ;  pec- 
toral fins  rather  short,  1.35  to  1.5  in  head. 

Color  of  fresh  specimen,  275  mm.  in  length,  dark  green  above, 
lower  part  of  side  bluish  green,  chest  and  abdomen  pale  red ;  scales  on 
sides  with  rusty  centers,  forming  lines  along  the  rows  of  scales;  a 
greenish  stripe  on  side  of  head  below  eye  (completely  disappearing  in 
alcohol)  ;  fins  all  reddish,  the  vertical  fin  darkest.  A  smaller  specimen, 
100  mm.  in  length,  darker,  with  less  red  on  back  and  sides,  but  more 
on  belly;  sides  with  about  6  faint  pale  bars.  Color  in  alcohol  dark 
brown  above  and  on  sides,  chest  and  abdomen  pale;  rows  of  scales  on 
sides  marked  by  more  or  less  distinct  dark  stripes,  usually  most  distinct 
in  young ;  the  vertical  fins  dusky,  the  margin  of  dorsal  and  caudal  black, 
the  dorsal  fin  usually  spotted  in  young ;  paired  fins  pale. 

About  80  specimens  of  this  common  species,  ranging  from  50  to  335 
mm.  in  length,  were  preserved.  It  enters  shallow,  muddy  and  even 
brackish  water. 

Known  from  Massachusetts  to  Brazil.  Our  specimens  were  taken 
at  Toro  Point,  New  Gatun,  Mindi  Cut,  Colon  and  Porto  Bello. 


APRIL  15,  1925.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    513 

374.  Lutianus  argentiventris  (Peters). 

Mesoprion  argentiventris  Peters,  Monatsb.  k.  Ak.  Wiss.  Berlin,  1869 

704  (Mazatlan) ;  Boulenger,  Boll.  Mus.  Zool.  Anat.  Torino,  XIV, 

No.  346,  1899,  2  (Panama  Bay). 
Lut janus  argentiventris  Jordan  &  Swain,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1884, 

434- 
Xcomcenis  argentiventris  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

XLVII,  1898,  1260. 
Lutianus  argentiventris  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV, 

1904,  103  (Panama  Bay) ;  Starks,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XXX, 

1906,  788   (Guayaquil,  Ecuador)  ;  Kendall  &  Radcliffe,  Memoir. 

Mus.    Comp.    Zool.,    XXXV,    1912,    112    (Acapulco;    Toboguilla 

Island,  Panama  Bay). 

Head  2.4  to  2.8;  depth  2.5  to  2.7;  D.  X,  14;  A.  Ill,  8  (rarely  9)  ; 
scales  in  horizontal  series  below  lateral  line  38  to  42. 

Body  elongate,  rather  strongly  compressed;  the  dorsal  region  ele- 
vated; anterior  profile  concave  over  snout  in  large  specimens,  nearly 
straight  to  slightly  convex  in  young;  head  rather  long;  snout  pointed, 
notably  so  in  adult,  2.5  to  3.25  in  head ;  eye  3.45  to  4.75  in  head ;  mouth 
low,  terminal,  slightly  oblique;  maxillary  reaching  nearly  or  quite  to 
anterior  margin  of  pupil,  2.4  to  2.85  in  head ;  upper  jaw  anteriorly  with 
2  or  3  pairs  of  canines ;  lateral  teeth  in  lower  jaw  enlarged,  but  not  as 
big  as  the  canines  in  upper  jaw;  vomerine  teeth  in  an  anchor-shaped 
patch,  with  a  long  median  backward  prolongation;  teeth  on  palatines 
and  tongue  in  long  bands;  preopercular  margin  finely  serrate,  with  a 
slight  indentation  above  its  lower  posterior  angle;  gill-rakers  moderate, 
8  or  9  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch;  scales  moderate,  the  series  above 
lateral  line  parallel  with  it,  those  below  lateral  line  horizontal,  5  or  6 
rows  between  the  lateral  line  and  origin  of  dorsal ;  caudal  fin  mostly 
covered  with  small  scales ;  soft  parts  of  the  dorsal  and  anal  and  the  pec- 
torals with  scales  on  base  only ;  ventrals  wholly  naked ;  dorsal  fin  some- 
what notched,  the  spines  strong,  the  third  or  fourth  the  longest,  equal 
to  length  of  snout  in  adult,  proportionately  longer  in  young,  the  soft 
part  with  strongly  convex  margin;  caudal  fin  rather  deeply  concave 
posteriorly,  but  not  forked;  anal  fin  with  3  strong  spines,  the  second 
the  longest,  but  rarely  reaching  the  tip  of  the  third  when  deflexed,  not 
much  shorter  than  the  longest  dorsal  spine,  the  soft  portion  rather  high, 
with  strongly  convex  outline ;  ventral  fins  inserted  notably  nearer  origin 
of  anal  than  tip  of  lower  jaw;  pectorals  moderate,  1.15  to  1.4  in  head. 

Color  in  alcohol  rather  variable,  from  light  gray  to  rather  dark 
brown  above,  chest  and  abdomen  silvery ;  rows  of  scales  in  some  speci- 


514    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

mens  with  pale  or  silvery  streaks,  faint  or  wanting  in  others;  sides  of 
head  with  a  brown  stripe  (blue  in  life)  just  underneath  the  eye,  this 
stripe  sometimes  broken  up  into  spots,  or  rarely  wanting;  vertical  fins 
more  or  less  dusky,  the  paired  fins  pale.  The  body  is  reddish  yellow 
in  life,  the  vertical  fins  are  largely  red  and  the  paired  fins  yellow. 

We  preserved  about  40  specimens  of  this  species,  varying  in  length 
from  60  to  345  mm.  Some  of  our  specimens  were  taken  on  rocky 
bottom,  some  along  a  sandy  shore,  and  others  in  very  muddy  tide 
streams.  Next  to  L.  guttatus,  this  is  the  most  common  snapper  on  the 
Pacific  coast  of  Panama. 

Known  from  Lower  California  south  to  Ecuador.  Our  specimens 
are  from  Taboga  Island,  Chame  Point,  Balboa,  Corozal  and  the  Pana- 
ma City  market. 

142.  Genus  Rabirubia  Jordan  &  Fester. 

Rabirubia  Jordan  &  Fesler,  Kept.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  XVII,  1889-91 

(1893),  438  (type  Mesoprion  inermis  Peters). 

Body  elongate,  the  dorsal  region  little  elevated;  gill-rakers  few  and 
short,  about  9  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch ;  anal  fin  long  and  low,  with 
about  10  or  n  rays;  the  caudal  lobes  not  especially  produced.  A  single 
species  of  this  genus  is  known. 

375.  Rabirubia  inermis  (Peters). 

Mesoprion  inermis  Peters,  Monastb.  k.  Ak.  Wiss.  Berlin,  1869,  705 

(Mazatlan). 

Lutjanus  inermis  Jordan,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1883,  285. 
Rabirubia  inermis  Jordan  &  Fesler,  Rept.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  XVII, 

1889-91   (1893),  438;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

XLVII,  1898,  1274,  PL  CXCIX,  fig.  519;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir. 

Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  103  (Panama  Bay). 

Head  2.9  to  2.95;  depth  3.45  to  3.7;  D.  X,  12  or  13;  A.  Ill,  10  or 
ii ;  scales  52  to  55. 

Body  elongate,  compressed ;  the  back  scarcely  elevated ;  head  rather 
long ;  snout  tapering,  2.9  to  2.95  in  head ;  eye  4.3  to  4.35 ;  mouth  mod- 
erate, oblique,  the  lower  jaw  slightly  projecting;  maxillary  to  or  slightly 
past  anterior  margin  of  eye,  2.5  to  2.55  in  head ;  teeth  pointed,  4  in  an- 
terior part  of  upper  jaw  enlarged,  about  4  on  each  side  in  lower  jaw 
somewhat  enlarged;  minute  teeth  present  on  vomer,  palatines  and 
tongue;  preopercular  margin  with  an  entire  membranous  border;  gill- 
rakers  long,  9  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch ;  scales  rather  small,  the  series 
above  lateral  line  very  oblique,  those  below  lateral  line  horizontal,  about 


APRIL  15,  1925.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    515 

7  rows  between  the  lateral  line  and  origin  of  dorsal;  dorsal  fin  con- 
tinuous, scarcely  notched,  the  spines  slender,  the  third  the  longest, 
about  as  long  as  snout  and  half  the  eyes ;  the  soft  part  very  low,  all  the 
rays  of  about  equal  length ;  caudal  fin  rather  deeply  forked,  both  lobes 
acute;  anal  fin  with  3  graduated  spines,  the  longest  about  half  the 
length  of  the  longest  dorsal  spine,  the  soft  portion  a  little  higher  than 
that  of  the  dorsal;  ventrals  rather  small,  inserted  somewhat  nearer 
origin  of  anal  than  tip  of  lower  jaw;  pectoral  fins  short,  1.67  in  head. 

Color  in  alcohol  brownish  above,  silvery  below;  each  scale  with  a 
pearly  gray  spot,  forming  light  stripes  along  the  rows,  these  spots 
small  above  lateral  line,  becoming  large  on  lower  part  of  sides  and 
gradually  occupying  the  whole  scale;  dorsal  and  caudal  dusky,  the 
other  fins  mostly  plain  translucent;  axil  of  pectoral  dark  brown. 

Only  2  specimens,  respectively  225  and  228  mm.  in  length,  were 
secured.  This  species  appears  to  be  very  rare  on  the  coast  of  Panama. 
Only  4  specimens  have  to  date  been  taken  there  by  collectors. 

Known  from  Mazatlan  to  Panama.  Our  specimens  were  pur- 
chased in  the  Panama  City  market. 

143.  Genus  Ocyurus  Gill. 

Ocyurus  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.   Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,   1862,  236   (type  Sparus 

chrysurus  Bloch). 

Body  elongate,  with  long  slender  tail;  the  dorsal  region  somewhat 
elevated;  pterygoid  teeth  present  in  adult;  gill-rakers  rather  numer- 
ous, long  and  slender,  about  20  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch;  anal  fin 
rather  short,  with  about  9  rays;  caudal  fin  deeply  forked,  the  lobes 
much  produced  in  adults.  A  single  species  is  known. 

376.  Ocyurus  chrysurus  (Bloch). 

Sparus  chrysurus  Bloch,  Naturg.  Ausl.  Fische,  V,  1791,  28,  1790,  PI. 

CCLXII  (Brazil). 

Anthias  rabirubia  Bloch  &  Schneider,  Syst.  Ichth.,  1801,  309  (Cuba). 
Sparus  semiluna  Lacepede,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  IV,  1803,  141,  PI.  Ill, 

fig.  i  (Martinique;  based  on  a  copy  of  a  drawing  by  Plumier). 
Mesoprion  chrysurus  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  II, 

1828,  459. 
Mesoprion  aurovittatus  Agassiz,  in  Spix,  Pise.  Brasil.,  1831,  121,  PI. 

iLXVI  (Brazil). 
Ocyurus  chrysurus  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1862,  236 ;  Jordan  & 

Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1898,  1275,  PI.  CXCIX, 

fig.  520;  Fowler,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1917,  132  (Colon). 


516    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

Ocyurus  aurovittatus  Poey,  Syn.  Pise.  Cub.,  1868,  295. 

Ocyurus  rijgersmcei  Cope,  Trans.  Am.  Philo.  Soc.  Phila.,  XIV,  1871, 
468,  fig.  4  (St.  Kitts). 

Lutjanus  chrysurus  Vaillant  &  Bocourt,  Miss.  Sci.  Mex.,  etc.,  Pt.  IV, 
1883,  133,  PI.  V. 

Lutjanus  melanurus  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XVI, 
1883,  548. 

Head  2.9  to  3.1;  depth  2.8  to  2.97;  D.  X,  13  or  14;  A.  Ill,  9; 

scales  in  longitudinal  series  below  lateral  line  47  to  57. 

Body  elongate,  compressed;  the  back  somewhat  elevated;  head 
rather  strongly  compressed;  snout  tapering,  2.6  to  2.9  in  head;  eye 
3.65  to  4.5 ;  mouth  moderate,  oblique,  the  lower  jaw  slightly  project- 
ing; maxillary  reaching  to  or  slightly  past  anterior  margin  of  eye, 
2.26  to  2.55  in  head ;  teeth  pointed,  about  4  in  anterior  part  of  upper 
jaw  enlarged,  canine-like;  small  teeth  present  on  vomer,  palatines 
and  tongue;  preopercular  margin  finely  serrate;  gill-rakers  long,  19 
to  21  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch;  scales  smaller  above  lateral  line 
than  below  it,  the  series  above  oblique,  those  below  horizontal,  7  rows 
between  the  lateral  line  and  origin  of  dorsal;  caudal  fin  scaly,  the 
other  fins  naked  or  with  a  few  scales  at  base ;  dorsal  fin  continuous, 
not  notched,  the  fourth  spine  the  longest,  a  little  longer  than  snout, 
the  soft  part  low,  with  strongly  convex  margin;  caudal  fin  deeply 
forked,  the  lobes  produced  in  adult,  sharply  pointed,  notably  longer 
than  head;  anal  with  3  graduated  spines,  the  longest  one  equal  to 
length  of  eye,  the  soft  portion  similar  to  that  of  the  dorsal,  but  shorter ; 
ventral  fins  rather  small,  inserted  notably  nearer  origin  of  anal  than 
tip  of  lower  jaw;  pectoral  fins  long  in  adult,  1.05  to  1.15  in  head. 

Color  brownish  above,  pale  silvery  below;  faint  pale  stripes  along 
the  rows  of  scales  on  lower  part  of  sides ;  in  life  with  a  bright  bronze 
stripe  from  snout  through  eye  to  caudal  peduncle  where  it  becomes 
indistinct;  caudal  peduncle  and  caudal  fin  golden  yellow  in  life;  dor- 
sal fin  yellow  with  more  or  less  dusky;  the  other  fins  mostly  yellow; 
axil  of  pectoral  dusky. 

We  preserved  30  specimens,  ranging  in  length  from  40  to  260  mm. 
This  species  is  fairly  common  on  the  Atlantic  coast  of  Panama  where 
it  is  of  some  importance  as  a  food  fish.  Its  flesh  is  of  excellent  quality. 

Known  from  Florida  to  Brazil.  Our  specimens  are  from  Toro 
Point,  Colon  and  Porto  Bello. 


APRIL  15,  1925.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    517 

144.  Genus  Rhomboplites  Gill. 

Rhomboplites  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1862,  236  (type  Centro- 

pristes  aurorubens  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes) . 

Body  elongate,  compressed ;  mouth  moderate,  very  oblique ;  villif  orm 
teeth  present  in  large  patches  or  well  formed  bands  on  vomer,  palatines, 
pterygoids  and  tongue;  gill-rakers  long  and  slender,  about  17  or  18 
on  lower  limb  of  first  arch;  caudal  fin  forked,  the  lobes  not  especially 
produced ;  color  red.  A  single  species  is  known. 

377.  Rhomboplites  aurorubens  (Cuvier  &  Valenciennes). 

Centropristes  aurorubens  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  Ill, 
1829,  45  (Brazil;  Martinique;  San  Domingo). 

Mesoprion  aurorubens  Giinther,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus.,  I,  1859,  207. 
Mesoprion  elegans  Poey,  Memorias,  II,  1860,  153  (Cuba). 
Rhomboplites  aurorubens  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1862,  236; 

Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1898,  1277, 

PI.  CC,  fig.  521 ;  Fowler,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,   1916,  402 

(Colon),  and  1917,  132  (Colon). 
Rhomboplites  elegans  Poey,  Repertorio,  II,  1868,  158. 
Lut janus  aurorubens  Vaillant  &  Bocourt,  Miss.  Sci.  Mex.,  etc.,  Pt.  IV, 

1878,  117. 
Aprion  ariommus  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1883,  142 

(Pensacola;  young  with  pterygoid  teeth  undeveloped). 

Head  2.9  to  3.1;  depth  2.8  to  3.15;  D.  XII,  11;  A.  Ill,  8  or  9; 
scales  60  to  68. 

Body  elongate,  compressed;  the  dorsal  and  ventral  outlines  about 
evenly  curved;  head  moderate;  snout  rather  blunt,  3.45  to  4  in  head; 
eye  large,  2.7  to  3.35;  mouth  moderate,  very  oblique,  the  lower  jaw 
projecting;  maxillary  reaching  slightly  beyond  anterior  margin  of  eye, 
2.45  to  2.6  in  head;  teeth  in  the  jaws  in  villif  orm  bands  anteriorly, 
posteriorly  in  a  single  series  in  lower  jaw,  the  outer  teeth  somewhat  en- 
larged, but  none  of  them  canine-like;  vomer,  palatines,  pterygoids  and 
tongue  with  broad  bands  of  patches  of  minute  teeth ;  preopercular  mar- 
gin serrate;  gill-rakers  rather  long,  16  to  19  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch; 
scales  rather  small,  the  series  above  lateral  line  quite  oblique,  those  below 
it  less  so,  but  not  horizontal,  6  rows  between  the  lateral  line  and  origin 
of  dorsal;  caudal  fin  covered  with  minute  scales,  the  other  fins  with 
a  few  scales  at  base  or  wholly  naked;  dorsal  fin  long,  continuous,  not 
notched,  the  spines  rather  slender,  the  third  usually  the  longest,  equal 


518    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

to  snout  and  about  half  the  eye,  the  soft  part  short  and  low;  caudal 
fin  moderately  forked,  both  lobes  acute;  anal  fin  with  3  rather  strong 
graduated  spines,  the  longest  about  equal  to  length  of  eye,  the  soft 
portion  similar  to  that  of  the  dorsal;  ventral  fins  moderate,  inserted 
slightly  nearer  origin  of  anal  than  tip  of  lower  jaw ;  pectoral  fins  rather 
long,  the  upper  rays  somewhat  produced,  i.i  to  1.25  in  head. 

Color  in  life  vermillion,  paler  below,  fading  to  almost  a  straw  color 
in  spirits;  faint  narrow  brown  streaks  along  the  rows  of  scales  on 
upper  part  of  sides ;  fins  all  pale  in  spirits,  red  to  yellowish  in  life. 

Of  this  species  16  specimens  were  preserved,  ranging  in  length 
from  185  to  235  mm.  It  was  seen  on  only  two  occasions  and  then  in 
rather  large  numbers.  It  enters  the  shallow  water  of  Fox  Bay  at 
Colon.  A  female  taken  in  January  has  the  ovaries  somewhat  distended 
with  rather  small  eggs.  The  intestinal  canal  is  very  short,  and  the 
pyloric  caeca  few,  but  large. 

Known  from  North  Carolina  to  southern  Brazil.  Our  specimens 
are  all  from  Colon. 

145.  Genus  Xenichthys  Gill. 

Xenichthys  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1863,  82  (type  Xenichthys 

xanti  Gill). 

Body  elongate,  not  greatly  compressed ;  head  moderate ;  snout  short, 
conical;  eyes  large;  mouth  rather  small,  very  oblique;  lower  jaw 
strongly  projecting;  teeth  minute,  in  narrow  bands  in  jaws,  none  of 
them  enlarged,  a  small  patch  on  vomer,  none  on  palatines  and  tongue; 
preopercular  margin  entire;  gill-rakers  long  and  slender;  scales  small, 
ctenoid;  dorsal  fins  separate,  the  spines  very  slender,  12  in  number, 
the  soft  dorsal  very  low,  with  about  17  rays;  caudal  fin  emarginate; 
anal  fin  with  3  rather  slender  graduated  spines,  the  soft  part  similar 
to  that  of  the  dorsal. 

378.  Xenichthys  xanti  Gill. 

Xenichthys  xanti  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1863,  82  (Cape  San 
Lucas ;  young)  ;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII, 
1898,  1287;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  103 
(Panama  Bay)  ;  Kendall  &  Radcliffe,  Memoir.  Mus.  Comp.  Zool., 
XXXV,  1912,  113  (Perico  Island,  Panama  Bay)  ;  Fowler,  Proc. 
Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1916,  410  (Panama). 

Xenichthys  xenops  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  I,  1881 
(1882),  325  (Panama;  adult). 


APRIL  15,  1925.    FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    519 

Head  2.5  to  3.15;  depth  2.8  to  3.05;  D.  XI-I,  17  or  18;  A.  Ill, 
1 6  to  18;  scales  54  to  62. 

Body  elongate,  compressed ;  the  back  little  elevated ;  head  moderate ; 
snout  pointed,  short,  3.8  to  4.5  in  head;  eye  very  large,  2.55  to  3; 
mouth  moderate,  strongly  oblique,  the  mandible  strongly  projecting; 
maxillary  reaching  nearly  or  quite  to  anterior  margin  of  pupil,  2.5  to  3 
in  head;  teeth  very  small,  pointed,  in  narrow  bands  in  jaws,  none  of 
them  enlarged,  a  band  of  minute  teeth  on  vomer,  none  on  palatines  or 
tongue;  preopercle  entire;  gill-rakers  long  and  slender,  15  to  17  on 
lower  limb  of  first  arch;  scales  small,  10  to  12  rows  between  the  lateral 
line  and  origin  of  dorsal ;  the  soft  parts  of  the  dorsal  and  anal  densely 
scaled,  the  other  fins  also  largely  scaled ;  dorsal  fins  distinctly  separate, 
the  spines  weak,  the  third  or  fourth  the  longest,  nearly  equal  to  length 
of  snout  and  eye ;  soft  dorsal  low,  with  nearly  straight  margin ;  caudal 
fin  with  broadly  concave  margin,  the  upper  lobe  acute;  anal  spines 
weak,  the  third  the  longest,  not  more  than  half  the  length  of  the  longest 
dorsal  spine,  the  soft  portion  similar  to  that  of  the  dorsal;  ventral 
fins  moderate,  inserted  somewhat  nearer  origin  of  anal  than  tip  of 
lower  jaw;  pectoral  fins  rather  short,  1.36  to  1.6  in  head. 

Color  of  a  fresh  specimen  greenish  brown  above,  sides  silvery  with 
golden  reflections,  lower  parts  pale ;  faint  dark  horizontal  stripes  present 
on  upper  part  of  sides;  a  dark  blotch  at  shoulder;  pectoral  fins 
yellowish,  the  other  fins  dark  or  dusky;  the  anal  fin  distally  yellowish 
green.  In  some  of  our  specimens  the  dark  stripes  on  upper  part  of 
sides  are  wanting,  these  are  usually  most  distinct  in  the  smaller 
specimens.  Caudal  spot  varied,  large  and  distinct,  small  and  ill  defined 
or  even  wanting. 

We  preserved  39  specimens,  ranging  in  length  from  135  to  200 
mm.  This  species,  although  its  flesh  is  rather  soft,  is  a  common  food 
fish  on  the  Pacific  coast  of  Panama  where  it  is  brough  to  the  market 
in  large  numbers.  A  female  taken  in  February  has  the  ovaries  well 
distended  with  eggs.  A  comparison  of  specimens  of  this  species  with 
specimens  of  X.  agassisi  Steindachner  from  the  Galapagos  Islands, 
verifies  the  statement  of  Gilbert  &  Starks  that  the  last  named  species 
differs  from  the  former  in  the  smaller  scales  (73  in  series  just  above 
lateral  line),  smaller  eye,  which  is  most  evident  when  specimens  of  like 
size  are  compared,  and  in  the  notably  longer  pectoral  fins  (about  i.i  in 
head). 

This  species  is  known  from  Cape  San  Lucas  to  Panama.  Our 
specimens  are  from  Balboa  and  the  Panama  City  market. 


520    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

Family  LV.    Haemulidae. 

THE  GRUNTERS. 

Body  more  or  less  elongate,  compressed ;  the  back  usually  elevated ; 
head  large;  snout  blunt  or  pointed;  mouth  large  or  small,  usually 
terminal,  low  and  more  or  less  horizontal;  premaxillaries  protractile; 
maxillary  without  supplemental  bone,  slipping  partly  under  preorbital; 
no  suborbital  stay;  no  barbels;  teeth  pointed  or  conical,  no  canines, 
none  on  vomer,  palatines  or  tongue;  lower  pharyngeals  separate,  with 
pointed  teeth;  preopercle  usually  serrate;  opercle  without  spines,  gills 
4,  a  slit  behind  the  last,  the  rakers  moderate ;  gill-membranes  separate, 
free  from  the  isthmus ;  lateral  line  concurrent  with  the  outline  of  back, 
usually  not  extending  on  caudal  fin;  scales  moderate,  firm,  ctenoid, 
present  on  body,  sides  of  the  head  and  often  on  the  fins;  dorsal  fin 
long,  more  or  less  deeply  notched,  the  spines  strong,  depressible  in 
a  groove,  10  to  14  in  number;  caudal  fin  more  or  less  concave;  anal 
fin  with  3  spines,  the  soft  portion  similar  to  that  of  the  dorsal  but  usually 
shorter;  ventral  fins  thoracic,  with  I,  5  rays;  air  bladder  present; 
intestinal  canal  short ;  pyloric  caeca  few ;  branchiostegals  6  or  7. 

The  species  of  this  family  are  numerous.  They  inhabit  the  warm 
seas  and  nearly  all  of  them  are  valued  as  food. 

KEY  TO  THE  GENERA. 

a.  Preopercle  strongly  serrate,  two  of  the  spines  at  angle  enlarged, 
the  serrae  on  lower  margin  directed  forward;  body  elongate, 
not  much  compressed.  Conodon,  p.  521. 

aa.     Preopercle  rather  finely   serrate,  none  of  the   serrae  directed 
forward;  body  deeper,  more  strongly  compressed. 

b.  Soft  parts  of  dorsal  and  anal  densely  scaled. 

c.  Dorsal  spines  normally  13 ;  body  elongate,  the  back  little  elevated. 

Bathystoma,  p.  523. 
cc.     Dorsal  spines  normally  12,  occasionally  n  or  13. 

d.  Series  of  scales  above  lateral  line  parallel  with  it,  those  below 
lateral  line  horizontal ;  mouth  rather  small,  oblique. 

Orthostaechus,  p.  525. 

dd.     Series  of  scales  above  lateral  line  more  or  less  oblique,  not 
parallel  with  it,  those  below  lateral  line  horizontal  or  not. 

e.  Snout  short,  more  than  3  in  head;  mouth  small,  more  or  less 
oblique ;  the  maxillary  rather  short,  not  curved. 

f.  Body    elongate,    the    back    scarcely    elevated;    mouth    slightly 
oblique;  sides  with  about  5  yellow  horizontal  stripes. 

Brachygenys,  p.  527. 


APRIL  15,  1925.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    521 

ff.     Body  rather  deeper,  the  back  elevated;  mouth  notably  oblique; 

scales  on  sides  with  pearly  gray  centers,  forming1  lines  along 

the  rows.  Lythrulon,  p.  528. 

ee.     Snout  long,  usually  3  or  less  in  head;  mouth  large,  nearly  or 

quite  horizontal;  maxillary  long  and  curved. 

Hamulon,  p.  529. 
bb.     Soft  parts  of  dorsal  and  anal  not  densely  scaled,  naked  or  with 

small  scales  on  interradial  membranes. 

g.       Body  rather  elongate;  the  head  long;  snout  pointed;  lips  thin, 
h.      Anal  fin  long,  with  III,  10  to  13  rays,  the  spines  small. 

Orthopristis,  p.  544. 
hh.     Anal  fin  short,  with  III,  6  to  8  rays,  the  second  spine  somewhat 

enlarged.  Pomadasys,  p.  547. 

gg.     Body  short  and  deep;  head  short;  snout  blunt;   lips  thick; 

second  anal  spine  notably  enlarged.  Anisotremus,  p.  560. 

146.  Genus  Conodon  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes. 

Conodon  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  V,  1830,  156  (type 
Conodon  antillanus  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes  =  Perca  nobilis 
Linnaeus). 

Body  oblong,  rather  robust ;  the  outer  teeth  in  jaws  notably  enlarged, 
conical ;  preopercle  strongly  serrate,  two  of  the  spines  at  angle  enlarged, 
the  serrae  on  the  lower  limb  directed  forward ;  soft  dorsal  and  anal 
more  or  less  scaly;  second  anal  spine  enlarged.  A  single  species, 
occurring  on  both  coasts  of  Panama,  is  known. 

379.  Conodon  nobilis  (Linnaeus). 

Perca  nobilis  Linnaeus,  Syst.  Nat.,  Ed.  X,  1758,  191  (North  America). 

Scicena  plumieri  Bloch,  Naturg.  Ausl.  Fische,  VI,  1792,  66,  PI.  CCCVI 

(Antilles). 
Sciana  coro  Bloch,  Naturg.  Ausl.  Fische,  VI,  1792,  70,  PI.  CCCVII, 

fig.  2  (Brazil). 
Cheilodipterus  chrysopterus  Lacepede,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  Ill,  1802,  542, 

PI.  XXXIII,  fig.  i. 
Conodon  antillanus  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  V,  1830, 

156  (Jamaica). 

Pristipoma  coro  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist  Nat.  Poiss.,  V,  1830,  266. 
Conodon  plumieri  Giinther,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus.,  I,  1859,  304. 
Conodon  serrifer  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1882,  351 

(Boca  Soledad,  Lower  California)  ;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S. 

Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1898,  1324. 


522    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

Conodon  nobilis  Jordan  &  Fesler,  Kept.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  XVII, 
1889-91  (1893),  488;  Fowler,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1916, 
404  (Colon),  and  1917,  132  (Colon). 

Head  3.1  to  3.35;  depth  2.75  to  3.35;  D.  XII,  12  or  13;  A.  Ill, 
7  or  8 ;  scales  50  to  55. 

Body  elongate,  rather  robust;  the  back  not  greatly  elevated;  head 
rather  large;  snout  moderate,  2.8  to  2.9  in  head;  eye  3.35  to  4.2; 
mouth  rather  small,  oblique;  the  lower  jaw  projecting,  more  strongly 
in  the  young  than  in  adult;  maxillary  reaching  slightly  past  anterior 
margin  of  eye,  2.7  to  2.9  in  head;  teeth  in  the  jaws  conical  or  pointed, 
in  bands,  the  outer  series  notably  enlarged;  preopercle  serrate,  with 
2  enlarged  spines  at  lower  posterior  angle,  serrations  most  prominent 
in  young,  those  on  the  lower  limb  directed  forward;  gill-rakers 
moderate,  proportionately  longer  in  young,  12  to  14  on  lower  limb  of 
first  arch ;  scales  moderate,  strongly  ctenoid,  the  series  above  lateral  line 
parallel  with  it,  5  rows  between  the  lateral  line  and  origin  of  dorsal; 
vertical  fins  with  scales,  at  least  on  interradial  membranes;  dorsal  fin 
long,  deeply  notched,  the  spines  moderate,  the  fourth  usually  the 
longest,  a  little  shorter  than  eye  and  snout,  the  soft  part  short,  highest 
anteriorly;  caudal  fin  scarcely  forked,  the  margin  merely  concave; 
anal  fin  with  3  strong  spines,  the  second  enlarged,  stronger  and  usually 
a  little  longer  than  the  longest  dorsal  spine;  ventral  fins  moderate, 
inserted  about  midway  between  tip  of  lower  jaw  and  origin  of  anal; 
pectoral  fins  moderate,  i.i  to  1.35  in  head. 

Color  in  life  dark  brown  above,  pale  yellow  below;  sides  with  8 
dark  cross-bars ;  lower  part  of  sides  with  brown  punctulations ;  dorsal 
and  caudal  yellowish  green  at  base,  becoming  darker  on  distal  parts; 
anal  and  ventrals  yellowish  green;  pectorals  brownish  yellow;  very 
young  with  3  or  4  indistinct  horizontal  dark  bands  in  addition  to  the 
dark  cross-bars. 

We  have  14  specimens,  ranging  in  length  from  55  to  290  mm.  One 
specimen  is  from  the  Pacific  coast,  where  the  species  appears  to  be 
rare.  It  has  previously  not  been  recorded  from  Panama.  On  the 
Atlantic  side  the  species  is  fairly  common,  but  not  abundant.  The 
Pacific  coast  representatives  have  been  described  as  a  distinct  species 
(Conodon  serrifer  Jordan  &  Gilbert),  but  we  are  unable  to  separate 
our  Pacific  specimen  from  the  others.  We  also  have  examined  the 
types  (3  specimens)  of  C.  serrifer  and  we  find  that  the  alleged 
differences  are  not  constant.  We,  therefore,  regard  the  forms  found 
on  both  coasts  as  the  same. 


APRIL  15,  1925.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    523 

As  here  understood,  the  range  of  this  species  on  the  Atlantic  extends 
from  Texas  to  Brazil,  and  on  the  Pacific  from  Lower  California  to 
Panama.  Our  Atlantic  specimens  are  from  Toro  Point,  Cristobal  and 
Colon.  The  Pacific  specimen  was  bought  in  the  Panama  City  market. 

147.  Genus  Bathystoma  Scudder. 

Bathystonta  (Scudder)  Putnam,  Bull.  Mus.  Comp.  Zool.,  I,  1863,  12 
(type  Perca  tnelanura  Linnaeus  —  Hcemidon  jeniguano  Poey). 
This  genus  is  scarcely  separable  from  Hezmulon,  but  the  dorsal 
spines  are  normally  13  in  number  instead  of  12.    The  body  is  rather 
more  elongate  and  the  back  lower;  the  mouth  is  red  within.    A  single 
species  was  taken  on  the  Atlantic  coast  of  Panama,  although  one  or 
two  others  probably  occur  there. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES. 

a.       Body  elongate,  the  depth  2.85  to  3.1  in  length;  scales  moderate, 
50  to  59  in  lateral  series;  a  large  black  caudal  spot  present. 

rimator,  p.  523. 

aa.     Body  very  elongate,  the  depth  3.4  to  3.85  in  length;  scales 
small,  65  to  72 ;  caudal  spot  wanting.  striatum,  p.  524. 

380.  Bathystoma  rimator  (Jordan  &  Swain). 

H&mulon  chrysopteron  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  V, 

1830,   240    (brought   by    Milbert    from    New    York;    erroneously 

identified  with  Perca  chrysoptera  Linnaeus). 

Hamulon  chrysopterum  Gunther,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus.,  I,  1859,  3J3- 
Hamulon   quadrilineatum  Holbrook,   Ichth.   South   Carolina,  Ed.   II, 

1860,  195,  PI.  XXVII,  fig.  2  (not  of  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes). 
Diabasis  aurolineatus  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1882, 

276,  307  (not  of  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes). 
Diabasis  chrysopterus  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XVI, 

J883,  553  (not  of  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes). 
Hcctmilon  rimator  Jordan  &  Swain,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1884,  308 

(Charleston,  S.  C. ;  Key  West  and  Pensacola,  Florida). 
Bathystoma  rimator  Jordan   &   Evermann,   Bull.   U.    S.    Nat.    Mus., 

XLVII,  1898,  1308,  PI.  CCVI,  fig.  534. 

Head  2.8  to  2.9;  depth  2.85  to  3.1 ;  D.  XIII,  13  to  15;  A.  Ill,  8 
or  9 ;  scales  50  to  59. 

Body  elongate,  compressed ;  dorsal  region  little  elevated ;  head  rather 
long ;  snout  tapering,  2.3  to  3  in  head ;  eye  3.25  to  3.75 ;  mouth  large, 
terminal,  slightly  oblique ;  maxillary  reaching  to  or  a  little  past  middle 


524    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

of  eye,  1.8  to  2.1  in  head ;  teeth  in  the  jaws  in  villiform  bands,  the  outer 
ones  enlarged;  preopercle  finely  serrate;  gill-rakers  rather  short  and 
slender,  13  to  15  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch;  scales  moderate,  ctenoid, 
series  above  lateral  line  not  parallel  with  it,  6  rows  between  origin  of 
dorsal  and  lateral  line,  n  between  lateral  line  and  origin  of  anal; 
vertical  fins  densely  scaled;  dorsal  fin  long,  the  spines  moderate,  the 
fourth  the  longest,  equal  to  about  half  the  length  of  head,  the  soft  part 
low,  with  convex  outline;  caudal  fin  forked,  the  lobes  acute;  anal  fin 
with  3  spines  of  moderate  size,  the  second  somewhat  enlarged,  scarcely 
as  long  as  the  longest  dorsal  spine,  the  soft  portion  short,  with  concave 
margin;  ventral  fins  moderate,  inserted  a  little  nearer  origin  of  anal 
than  tip  of  lower  jaw;  pectoral  fins  rather  short,  1.3  to  1.4  in  head. 

Color  brownish  or  grayish  above,  yellowish  to  silvery  below;  sides 
with  two  yellow  stripes,  one  from  interorbital  to  base  of  last  rays  of 
dorsal,  the  second  along  middle  of  side  to  base  of  caudal  where  it  ends 
in  a  large,  black  caudal  spot;  the  stripes  are  most  distinct  in  the 
young,  the  adults  becoming  plainer ;  dorsal  and  caudal  dusky,  the  other 
fins  mostly  yellow. 

Only  3  specimens,  100  to  130  mm.  in  length  were  taken.  The  species 
appears  to  be  rare  on  the  coast  of  Panama. 

Known  from  North  Carolina  south  to  Trinidad.  Our  specimens 
are  from  Colon  and  Porto  Bello. 

381.  Bathystoma  striatum    (Linnaeus). 

Perca  striata  Linnaeus,  Syst.  Nat.,  Ed.  X,  1758,  233  (North  America). 

Grammistes  trivittatus  Bloch  &  Schneider,   Syst.   Ichth.,   1801,   188 
(Brazil). 

Serranus   capeuna   Lichtenstein,   Abh.   Ak.   Wiss.    Berlin,    1821,   288 

(Brazil). 
H&mulon  quadrilineatum  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  V, 

1830,  238,  PI.  CXX  (San  Domingo). 

Hamulon  quinquelineatum  Poey,  Memorias,  II,  1861,  419  (Cuba). 
Diabasis  trivittatus  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XVI,  1883. 

554  (erroneously  ascribed,  after  Holbrook,  to  the  Carolina  fauna). 
Hamulon  striatum  Jordan  &  Fesler,  Rept.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  XVII, 

1889-91  (1893),  479. 
Bathystoma  striatum  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.   S.   Nat.   Mus., 

XLVII,  1898,  1310. 

Head  3.5 ;  depth  3.4  to  3.85 ;  D.  XIII,  14 ;  A.  Ill,  8 ;  scales  65  to  72. 


APRIL  15,  1925.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.     525 

Body  very  elongate,  compressed ;  the  back  little  elevated ;  head  rather 
long;  snout  moderate,  3.5  to  3.6  in  head;  eye  2.6  to  3.35;  mouth 
moderate,  terminal,  slightly  oblique ;  maxillary  scarcely  reaching  middle 
of  eye,  2.24  to  2.4  in  head;  teeth  in  narrow  bands,  pointed,  the  outer 
ones  enlarged;  preopercle  finely  serrate;  gill-rakers  rather  long  and 
slender,  18  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch;  scales  small,  the  series  above 
lateral  line  not  parallel  with  it,  7  or  8  oblique  rows  between  the  lateral 
line  and  origin  of  dorsal;  vertical  fins  densely  scaled;  dorsal  fin  long, 
the  spines  slender,  the  fourth  the  longest,  nearly  as  long  as  eye  and 
snout,  the  soft  part  very  low;  caudal  fin  rather  deeply  forked;  anal 
fin  with  3  spines,  the  second  not  much  longer  than  the  third,  and  notably 
shorter  than  the  longest  dorsal  spine;  ventral  fins  moderate,  inserted 
equidistant  from  tip  of  lower  jaw  and  origin  of  anal;  pectoral  fins 
rather  short,  1.3  to  1.6  in  head. 

Color  in  spirits  grayish ;  sides  and  back  with  5  or  6  black  longitudinal 
stripes ;  no  black  spot  at  base  of  caudal. 

This  species  was  not  taken  on  the  coast  of  Panama  by  us,  but  we 
have  examined  2  specimens  in  the  National  Museum  collection, 
respectively  125  and  155  mm.  in  length,  sent  from  Cuba  by  Poey,  who 
identified  them  as  Hamulon  quadrilineatus.  This  name  has  been 
referred  to  the  synonymy  of  B.  striatum  by  Jordan  &  Fesler  and  others. 
Whether  or  not  this  is  correct,  we  are  unable  to  state,  but  the  specimens 
examined  differ  so  greatly  from  B.  rimator  that  there  is  no  doubt  but 
what  they  belong  to  a  species  distinct  from  the  latter.  We  have  also 
examined  several  specimens  in  the  National  Museum  sent  by  Poey  from 
Cuba  of  Hoemulon  jeniguano.  This  name  has  been  referred  to  the 
synonymy  of  B.  aurolineatum  of  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes.  We  are, 
however,  unable  to  separate  these  specimens  from  B.  rimator,  and 
although  B.  aurolineatum,  as  understood  by  Jordan  &  Fesler  and  others, 
falls  within  the  scope  of  the  present  paper,  we  omit  it,  except  for  the 
mention  just  made,  as  we  are  unable  to  give  its  relationship. 

Bathystoma  striatum,  as  understood  by  Jordan  &  Evermann,  1898, 
ranges  from  the  Bermuda  Islands  south  to  Brazil. 

148.  Genus  Orthostoechus  Gill. 

Orthostcechus    Gill,    Proc.    Ac.    Nat.    Sci.    Phila.,    1862,    255    (type 

Orthostoechus  maculicauda  Gill). 

Body  rather  elongate,  compressed ;  mouth  moderate ;  series  of  scales 
above  lateral  line  parallel  with  it,  those  below  lateral  line  horizontal; 
soft  dorsal  and  anal  densely  scaled.  A  single  species  known. 


526    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

382.  Orthostcechus  maculicauda  Gill. 

Orthostcechus  maculicauda  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1862,  255 
(Cape  San  Lucas). 

Hamulon  masatlanum  Steindachner,  (Sitzb.  k.  Ak.  Wiss.  Wien,  LX) 
Ichth.  Notizen,  VIII,  1869,  12,  PI.  VI  (Mazatlan). 

Hamulon  maculicauda  Steindachner,  (Sitzb.  k.  Ak.  Wiss.  Wien, 
LXXII)  Ichth.  Beitr.,  Ill,  1875,  14. 

Diabasis  maculicauda  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1882, 
362,  372,  626. 

Orthostcechus  maculicauda  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 
XLVII,  1898,  1313;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV, 
1904,  106  (Panama  Bay). 

Head  3.05  to  3.2;  depth  2.8  to  3.15;  D.  XIII,  15  or  16;  A.  Ill,  9 
or  10 ;  scales  50  to  54. 

Body  moderately  elongate;  the  back  not  greatly  elevated;  head 
moderate ;  snout  rather  pointed,  2.15  to  3.5  in  head ;  eye  3  to  3.85 ;  mouth 
moderate,  terminal,  oblique;  maxillary  reaching  nearly  or  quite  to 
pupil,  2.5  to  2.8  in  head;  teeth  in  the  jaws  in  narrow  villiform  bands, 
the  outer  ones  scarcely  enlarged;  preopercle  serrate;  gill-rakers 
moderate,  proportionately  longer  in  young  than  in  adult,  15  to  17  on 
lower  limb  of  first  arch;  scales  rather  large,  series  above  lateral  line 
parallel  with  it,  5  or  $y2  rows  between  lateral  line  and  origin  of  dorsal ; 
vertical  fins  densely  scaled;  dorsal  fin  long,  the  spines  moderate,  the 
third  or  fourth  the  longest,  equal  to  length  of  snout  and  half  the  eye, 
the  soft  part  low,  with  convex  margin;  caudal  fin  forked,  both  lobes 
acute ;  anal  fin  with  3  spines,  the  second  the  largest,  equal  to  or  a  little 
longer  than  snout;  ventral  fins  inserted  a  little  nearer  origin  of  anal 
than  tip  of  lower  jaw;  pectoral  fins  moderate,  1.2  to  1.35  in  head. 

Color  grayish  brown;  each  scale  on  back  and  sides  with  a  pearly 
gray  spot  in  center,  forming  distinct  lines  along  the  rows  of  scales; 
base  of  caudal  with  a  distinct  spot  in  young,  becoming  proportionately 
larger  and  less  distinct  with  age ;  dorsal,  caudal  and  anal  slightly  dusky, 
the  other  fins  mostly  plain  translucent. 

This  species  is  represented  by  10  specimens,  ranging  in  length  from 
85  to  230  mm.  This  fish  is  apparently  rather  rare  on  the  coast  of 
Panama  and  it  is  only  occasionally  seen  in  the  market. 

Known  from  Guaymas  to  Panama.  Our  specimens  are  from  Taboga 
Island,  Balboa  and  Panama  City. 


APRIL  15,  1925.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.     527 

149.  Genus  Brachygenys  Scudder. 

Brachygenys    (Scudder)    Poey,    Syn.    Pise.    Cub.,    1868,    310    (type 

Hamulon  tantalum  Poey). 

Body  slender;  snout  short  and  blunt;  mouth  small;  the  maxillary 
reaching  but  little  beyond  the  anterior  margin  of  eye,  about  one-third 
the  length  of  head ;  mouth  red  within.  Other  characters  mostly  as  in 
Hamtdon.  A  single  species  is  known. 

383.  Brachygenys  chrysargyreus  (Giinther). 

Hamulon  chrysargyremn  Giinther,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus.,  I,  1859,  3J4 

(Trinidad)  ;  Jordan  &  Fesler,  Kept.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  XVII,  1889- 

91  (1893),  476. 
Brachygenys  chrysargyreus  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

XLVII,  1898,  1307,  PI.  CCVI,  fig.  533 ;  Fowler,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci. 

Phila.,  1916,  402  (Colon). 

Head  3  to  3.25;  depth  2.9  to  3.25;  D.  XII,  13;  A.  Ill,  9  or  10; 
scales  53  to  60. 

Body  elongate,  compressed;  the  back  not  greatly  elevated;  anterior 
profile  evenly  convex;  head  rather  long;  snout  moderately  blunt, 
apparently  blunter  in  female  than  in  the  male,  3.1  to  3.5  in  head;  eye 
2.7  to  3.05;  mouth  rather  small,  terminal,  slightly  oblique;  maxillary 
reaching  slightly  past  anterior  margin  of  eye,  2.85  to  3.1  in  head ;  teeth 
in  the  jaws  in  bands,  the  outer  ones  scarcely  enlarged ;  preopercle  finely 
serrate;  gill-rakers  short,  16  to  18  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch;  scales 
moderate,  strongly  ctenoid,  series  above  lateral  line  not  parallel  with 
it,  6  or  7  oblique  rows  between  lateral  line  and  origin  of  dorsal ;  vertical 
fins  densely  scaled;  dorsal  fin  long,  deeply  notched,  the  spines  rather 
weak,  the  fourth  the  longest,  equal  to  length  of  snout  and  two-thirds 
the  eye,  the  soft  part  rather  low,  highest  anteriorly;  caudal  fin  deeply 
forked,  both  lobes  acute;  anal  fin  with  3  stiff  spines,  the  second  and 
third  of  nearly  equal  length,  as  long  as  eye,  the  soft  part  short,  with 
concave  margin;  ventral  fins  small,  inserted  about  equidistant  from  tip 
of  lower  jaw  and  origin  of  anal;  pectoral  fins  short,  1.2  to  1.4  in  head. 

Color  in  spirits  grayish  above,  silvery  below;  sides  with  about  5 
yellow  horizontal  stripes  which  are  scarcely  half  as  broad  as  the  inter- 
spaces; dorsal  dusky;  other  fins  plain  translucent;  axil  of  pectoral 
dusky. 

This  species  is  represented  by  36  specimens,  ranging  in  length  from 
128  to  190  mm.  It  appears  to  inhabit  chiefly  coral  reefs.  Spawning 
occurs  in  the  spring,  as  specimens  taken  from  March  to  May 


52&    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

have  the  sexual  organs  well  distended  with  eggs  and  milt.  The 
alimentary  canal  is  very  short  and  the  stomach  is  provided  with  6 
pyloric  caeca.  The  species  is  not  abundant. 

Known  from  Florida  to  Brazil.  Our  specimens  are  from  Colon  and 
Porto  Bello. 

150.  Genus  Lythrulon  Jordan  &  Swain. 

Lythrulon  Jordan  &  Swain,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1884,  287  (type 

Hcemulon  flaviguttatus  Gill). 

Body  elongate,  compressed;  the  back  not  greatly  elevated;  snout 
short;  mouth  notably  oblique;  gill-rakers  rather  numerous,  about  18 
on  lower  limb  of  first  arch ;  scales  moderate,  the  series  above  lateral  line 
not  parallel  with  it ;  dorsal  and  anal  fins  long  and  low ;  caudal  fin  deeply 
forked.  A  single  species  is  known  which  is  rather  common  on  the  west 
coast  of  Mexico  and  Central  America. 

384.  Lythrulon  flaviguttatum   (Gill). 

Hcemulon  flaviguttatus  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1862,  254  (Cape 
San  Lucas)  ;  Steindachner,  (Sitzb.  k.  Ak.  Wiss.  Wien,  LXXII) 
Ichth.  Beitr.,  Ill,  1875,  14  (Acapulco;  Altata;  Mazatlan;  Panama). 

Hcemulon  margaritiferum  Giinther,  Proc.  Zool.  Soc.  London,  1864,  147 
(Panama). 

Hcemulon  flaviguttatum  Jordan  &  Swain,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1884, 

314. 
Lythrulon  opalescens  Jordan  &  Starks,  in  Jordan,  Proc.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci., 

2nd  Ser.,  1895,  459,  PI.  XL  (Mazatlan). 
Lythrulon  flaviguttatum  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

XLVII,  1898,  1312;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.    Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV, 

1904,  105  (Panama  Bay)  ;  Kendall  &  Radcliffe,  Memoir.  Mus.  Comp. 

Zool.,  XXXV,  1912,  115  (Acapulco;  Perico  Island) ;  Fowler,  Proc. 

Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1916,  410  (Panama). 

Head  3.1  to  3.6;  depth  2.65  to  3.3;  D.  XII,  16  to  18;  A.  Ill,  10 
or  ii ;  scales  50  to  57. 

Body  elongate,  compressed;  the  back  elevated;  anterior  profile 
straight  or  slightly  concave  over  snout,  convex  at  nape ;  head  moderate ; 
snout  short,  3.5  to  4.2  in  head;  eye  2.7  to  3.7;  mouth  rather  small, 
terminal,  notably  oblique;  maxillary  reaching  anterior  margin  of  pupil, 
2.4  to  2.6  in  head ;  teeth  in  the  jaws  in  villiform  bands,  none  of  them 
enlarged;  preopercle  serrate;  gill-rakers  rather  long,  16  to  18  on  lower 
limb  of  first  arch;  scales  moderate,  the  series  above  lateral  line  not 
parallel  with  it,  6  or  7  rows  between  the  lateral  line  and  origin  of  dorsal ; 


APRIL  15,  1925.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    529 

vertical  fins  densely  scaled;  dorsal  fin  long,  not  very  deeply  notched, 
the  third  or  fourth  spine  longest,  not  quite  as  long  as  eye  and  snout, 
the  soft  part  of  fin  low,  with  convex  margin;  caudal  fin  forked,  the 
upper  lobe  the  longer;  anal  fin  with  3  spines,  the  second  slightly 
enlarged,  stronger  but  much  shorter  than  the  longest  dorsal  spine; 
ventral  fins  moderate,  inserted  a  little  nearer  origin  of  anal  than  the 
tip  of  lower  jaw;  pectoral  fins  usually  about  equal  to  length  of  head, 
3-35  to  4.55  in  body. 

Color  brownish  to  silvery  gray;  each  scale  on  sides  with  a  pearly 
center,  forming  lines  along  the  rows  of  scales.  Young  of  60  mm.  and 
less  in  length  with  3  longitudinal  black  stripes  and  a  jet  black  caudal 
spot.  The  caudal  spot  is  much  more  persistent  than  the  black  stripes, 
but  it  becomes  indistinct  or  disappears  wholly  in  large  examples. 
Membrane  under  preopercle  black;  dorsal,  caudal  and  anal  dusky;  the 
other  fins  mostly  pale. 

We  preserved  48  specimens  of  this  species,  ranging  in  length  from 
40  to  415  mm.  The  species  is  rather  common  about  Panama  City 
and  is  frequently  seen  in  the  Panama  City  market. 

Known  from  Guaymas  to  Panama.  Our  specimens  are  from 
Taboga  Island,  Naos  Island,  Balboa  and  Panama  City. 

151.  Genus  Hamilton  Cuvier. 

Hatnulon  Cuvier,  Regne  Animal,  Ed.  II,  II,  1829,  175  (type  Hcemulon 

elegans  Cuvier  =  Spar  us  sciurus  Shaw). 

Body  oblong;  the  back  more  or  less  elevated;  snout  long;  mouth 
large,  terminal,  nearly  horizontal;  maxillary  long,  curved,  reaching  to 
below  eye ;  no  teeth  on  vomer  or  palatines ;  teeth  in  the  jaws  in  narrow 
villiform  bands,  the  outer  ones  more  or  less  enlarged;  preopercle 
serrate;  gill-rakers  rather  short;  chin  with  a  central  groove  behind  the 
symphysis;  scales  above  lateral  line  in  series  not  parallel  with  it;  soft 
parts  of  vertical  fins  densely  scaled;  dorsal  fin  more  or  less  deeply 
notched;  dorsal  spines  12,  rarely  u;  caudal  fin  more  or  less  forked; 
anal  fin  with  3  spines,  the  second  one  enlarged,  usually  larger  than  the 
third ;  mouth  red  within. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES. 

a.  Scales  below  lateral  line  notably  enlarged,  very  deep ;  sides  with 
yellow  stripes,  parallel  with  the  lateral  line  above  it,  very  oblique 
below  it.  flavolineatutn,  p.  531. 

aa.     Scales  below  lateral  line  not  especially  enlarged. 


53Q    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

b.  Scales  above  lateral  line  enlarged,  4  rows  between  the  lateral  line 
and  origin  of  dorsal;  sides  with  about  12  well  defined,  more 
or  less  wavy,  horizontal  blue  stripes,  not  extending  beyond  head 
on  body.  plumierii,  p.  532. 

bb.  Scales  above  lateral  line  not  enlarged,  not  fewer  than  5  series 
between  lateral  line  and  origin  of  dorsal. 

c.  Sides  without  dark  cross-bars. 

d.  Maxillary  reaching  nearly  or  quite  to  middle  of  eye,  1.9  to  2.3 
in  head ;  sides  with  blue,  black  or  golden  horizontal  stripes. 

e.  Gill-rakers  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch  16  to   18  in  number; 
sides  with  black  or  blue  stripes. 

f .  Soft  dorsal  with  strongly  convex  margin,  the  anterior  rays 
scarcely  longer  than  the  posterior  ones;  head  and  body  with 
about    10    horizontal    blue    stripes,    becoming    pale    but    not 
disappearing  in  spirits,  well  defined  on  snout  and  cheeks. 

sciurus,  p.  533. 

f  f.  Soft  dorsal  with  nearly  straight  margin,  the  anterior  rays  nearly 
twice  as  long  as  the  posterior  ones ;  upper  part  of  sides  with  4 
or  5  dark  stripes  present  at  all  ages,  no  stripes  on  snout  and 
cheeks.  macrostomuw,  p.  535. 

ee.  Gill-rakers  fewer,  12  to  14  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch;  a  dark 
band  along  base  of  dorsal  and  upper  surface  of  caudal  peduncle 
to  base  of  caudal  fin;  another  dark  band  from  snout  through 
eye  directly  to  base  of  caudal;  sides  with  about  10  golden 
stripes,  fading  in  alcohol.  melanurum,  p.  536. 

dd.  Maxillary  reaching  to  or  slightly  past  anterior  margin  of  eye, 
2  to  2.8  in  head;  sides  with  more  or  less  distinct  dark  or 
pearly  gray  stripes  following  the  rows  of  scales  (except  in  H. 
carbonarium,  which  has  horizontal  bronze  stripes). 

g.  Sides  with  horizontal  bronze  stripes,  fading  but  not  disappearing 
in  spirits,  these  not  present  on  snout  and  cheeks;  gill-rakers 
on  lower  limb  of  first  arch  13  or  14  in  number;  6  or  7  oblique 
rows  of  scales  between  lateral  line  and  origin  of  dorsal. 

carbonarium,  p.  537- 
gg.     Sides  with  dark  or  pearly  gray  stripes  following  the  rows  of 

scales. 

h.  Color  silver-gray;  rows  of  scales  marked  by  distinct  pearly 
gray  stripes;  caudal  spot  present  at  all  ages;  mouth  rather 
large,  the  maxillary  2  to  2.1  in  head ;  snout  long,  pointed,  2.55 
to  2.8  in  head.  steindachneri,  p.  537. 


APRIL  15,  1925.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.     531 

hh.  Color  darker;  rows  of  scales  marked  by  more  or  less  distinct 
dark  stripes;  caudal  spot  wanting  in  adult;  mouth  smaller,  the 
maxillary  2.2  to  2.8  in  head. 

L  Pectoral  fins  densely  scaled ;  5  oblique  rows  of  scales  between 
lateral  line  and  origin  of  dorsal;  rows  of  scales  on  sides  with 
faint  dark  stripes.  parra,  p.  539. 

ii.      Pectoral  fins  with  a  few  scales  at  base,  the  rest  of  the  fin  naked. 

j.  Dorsal  fin  scarcely  notched,  the  last  two  spines  of  about  equal 
length,  the  soft  part  very  low ;  7  oblique  rows  of  scales  between 
lateral  line  and  origin  of  dorsal;  caudal  fin  rather  deeply 
forked;  rows  of  scales  marked  with  indistinct  dark  stripes. 

album,  p.  540. 

jj.  Dorsal  fin  rather  deeply  notched,  the  last  spine  longer  than  the 
preceding  one,  the  soft  part  higher;  5  or  6  oblique  rows  of 
scales  between  the  lateral  line  and  origin  of  dorsal. 

k.  Rows  of  scales  on  sides  very  distinctly  marked  by  continuous 
dark  lines,  wavy  above  the  lateral  line;  dorsal  spines  normally 
12;  caudal  fin  emarginate,  but  scarcely  forked. 

bonariense,  p.  541- 

kk.  Rows  of  scales  on  sides  marked  by  well  separated  round  spots, 
one  on  each  scale,  most  distinct  and  not  wavy  above  lateral  line ; 
dorsal  spines  more  usually  n  than  T2 ;  caudal  fin  rather  deeply 
forked.  scudderii,  p.  542. 

cc.  Sides  with  6  broad  black  cross-bars;  a  few  dark  spots  on  head 
behind  eye;  7  oblique  rows  of  scales  between  lateral  line  and 
origin  of  dorsal;  12  gill-rakers  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch. 

sexfasciatum,  p.  543. 

385.  Haemulon  flavolineatum   (Desmarest).     (Plate  LIII.) 
Diabasis  flavolineatus  Desmarest,  Prem.  Dec.  Ichth.,  1823,  35,  PI.  II, 

fig.  i  (Cuba). 
Hoemulon   heterodon   Cuvier,   Regne  Animal,   Ed.   II,   II,   1829,    176 

(Cuba). 
Hcemulon  xanthopteron  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  V, 

1830,  254  (Martinique). 

Hccmulon  xanthoptcrum  Giinther,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus.,  I,  1859,  312. 
Hamulon  flavolineatum  Poey,  Repertorio,  1867,  309;  Jordan  &  Ever- 

mann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1898,  1306;  Fowler,  Proc. 

Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1916,  402  (Colon),  and  1917,  132  (Colon). 

Head  2.8  to  3.1 ;  depth  2.5  to  2.85;  D.  XII,  14  or  15;  A.  Ill,  7  or 
8 ;  scales  below  lateral  line  47  to  53. 


532    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

Body  moderately  elongate,  compressed;  anterior  profile  convex  to 
nearly  straight  over  snout  and  eye  in  adult,  strongly  convex  at  nape; 
head  rather  deep;  snout  moderate,  2.4  to  2.9  in  head;  eye  3  to  3.4; 
mouth  large,  terminal,  nearly  horizontal;  maxillary  reaching  to  or 
slightly  past  anterior  margin  of  pupil,  2.15  to  2.4  in  head;  teeth  in  the 
jaws  in  bands,  the  outer  ones  somewhat  enlarged;  preopercle  serrate; 
gill-rakers  rather  short,  13  or  14  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch;  scales 
moderate,  notably  enlarged  below  lateral  line,  the  series  everywhere 
oblique  except  on  belly  and  caudal  peduncle,  5  rows  between  the  lateral 
line  and  origin  of  dorsal ;  soft  parts  of  vertical  fins  densely  scaled,  the 
other  fins  mostly  naked ;  dorsal  fin  long,  moderately  notched,  the  fourth 
spine  the  longest,  equal  to  snout  and  about  one-third  the  eye,  the  soft 
part  with  convex  outline;  caudal  fin  rather  deeply  forked;  anal  fin 
with  3  spines,  the  second  enlarged,  reaching  slightly  past  the  tip  of  the 
third  when  deflexed,  quite  as  long  as  the  longest  dorsal  spine;  ventral 
fins  inserted  slightly  nearer  origin  of  anal  than  tip  of  lower  jaw; 
pectoral  fins  i.i  to  1.4  in  head. 

Color  of  fresh  specimen  greenish,  with  yellow  longitudinal  stripes, 
those  above  lateral  line  parallel  with  it,  those  below  lateral  line  quite 
oblique;  pectorals  pale;  other  fins  yellowish  green.  Young  of  90  mm. 
and  less  in  length  with  3  dark  longitudinal  stripes,  and  a  black  caudal 
spot. 

We  preserved  55  specimens,  ranging  in  length  from  83  to  200  mm. 
This  species  is  quite  common  on  the  coral  reefs  on  the  Atlantic  coast 
of  Panama.  It  does  not  seem  to  reach  as  large  a  size  as  the  other 
species  of  the  genus  in  this  locality.  It  is  only  occasionally  seen  in 
the  market.  A  specimen  taken  in  March  has  the  ovaries  well  distended 
with  eggs. 

Known  from  Florida  to  Brazil.  Our  specimens  were  taken  at  Toro 
Point,  Colon  and  Porto  Bello. 

386.  Haemulon  plumierii  (Lacepede). 

Labrus  plumierii  Lacepede,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  Ill,  1802,  480,  PI.  II, 

fig.  2  (Martinique;  based  on  a  drawing  by  Plumier). 
Hamulon  formosum  Cuvier,  Regne  Animal,  Ed.  II,  II,   1829,   175 

(Martinique). 
Hamulon  arcuatum  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  IX,  1833, 

481  (Charleston,  South  Carolina). 
Hamulon  arara  Poey,  Memorias,  II,  1860,  177  (Cuba). 
Hamulon  subarcuatum  Poey,  Memorias,  II,  1861,  419  (Cuba). 
Diabasis  plumieri  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1882,  603. 


APRIL  15,  1925.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    533 

Hcemulon  plumieri  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII, 

1898,  1304,  PI.  CCV,  fig.  532;  Fowler,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila., 

1916,  402  (Colon). 

Head  2.7  to  2.8;  depth  24  to  2.5;  D.  XII,  15  or  16;  A.  Ill,  8  or  9; 
scales  49  to  53. 

Body  elongate,  compressed;  the  back  elevated;  anterior  profile 
concave  over  snout  and  eyes  in  adult,  evenly  convex  in  young;  head 
deep ;  snout  long,  pointed,  1.9  to  2.3  in  head ;  eye  3.9  to  5.2 ;  mouth  large, 
terminal,  horizontal;  maxillary  reaching  nearly  or  quite  to  middle  of 
eye,  1.9  to  2.05  in  head;  teeth  in  the  jaws  in  villiform  bands,  the  outer 
series  somewhat  enlarged;  preopercle  finely  serrate;  gill-rakers  rather 
short,  14  or  15  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch;  scales  moderate,  those  above 
lateral  line  enlarged,  the  series  very  oblique,  4  rows  between  the  lateral 
line  and  origin  of  dorsal;  pectoral  fins  with  scales  at  the  base  only; 
the  soft  parts  of  the  other  fins  all  densely  scaled;  dorsal  fin  long, 
scarcely  notched,  the  fourth  spine  the  longest,  scarcely  as  long  as 
snout,  the  soft  part  with  convex  outline;  caudal  fin  forked,  the  upper 
lobe  the  longer ;  anal  fin  with  3  spines,  the  second  the  strongest,  reaching 
slightly  past  the  tip  of  the  third  when  the  fin  is  deflexed,  a  little  shorter 
than  the  longest  dorsal  spine;  ventral  fins  inserted  notably  nearer 
origin  of  anal  than  tip  of  lower  jaw;  pectoral  fins  moderate,  1.3  to  1.6 
in  head. 

Color  in  alcohol  grayish  brown;  scales  on  sides  each  with  a  large 
silvery  area,  with  brown  bases  and  margins ;  sides  of  head  with  about 
12  more  or  less  wavy  horizontal  blue  stripes,  separated  by  paler  inter- 
spaces. These  stripes  are  bright  blue  in  life  and  the  interspaces  are 
brassy.  They  do  not  extend  beyond  head  on  body.  The  vertical  fins 
are  dusky ;  the  paired  fins  are  mostly  pale.  The  inside  of  the  mouth  is 
red  in  life. 

We  preserved  42  specimens  of  this  species,  ranging  in  length  from 
1 1 5  to  290  mm.  The  species  is  fairly  common,  although  not  abundant 
on  the  Atlantic  coast  of  Panama. 

Known  from  North  Carolina  south  to  Brazil.  Our  specimens  are 
from  Toro  Point,  Colon  and  Porto  Bello. 

387.  Haemulon  sciurus  (Shaw). 

Anthias  formosus  Bloch,  Naturg.  Ausl.  Fische,  VI,   1792,   122,  PI. 

CCCXXIII   (East  Indies  and  Atlantic  Ocean;  not  Perca  formosa 

Linnaeus,  which  is  Diplectrum  formosum). 
Sparus  sciurus  Shaw,  Gen.  Zool.,  IV,  1803,  PI.  LXIV  (Antilles;  based 

on  Anthias  formosus  Bloch). 


534    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

Hamulon  elegans  Cuvier,  Regne  Animal,  Ed.  II,  II,  1829,  175   (no 

description,  based  on  figure  of  Bloch). 
Hamulon  similis  Castelnau,  Anim.  Nouv.  Rares  Amer.  Sud,  1855,  n 

(Bahia). 

Hamulon  luteum  Poey,  Memorias,  II,  1860,  174  (Cuba). 
Hcemulon  multilineatum  Poey,  Memorias,  II,  1860,  178  (Cuba). 
Hamulon  hians  Haly,  Ann  &  Mag.  Nat.  Hist.,  Ser.  4,  XV,  1875,  268 

(Bahia). 
Diabasis  elegans  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XVI,  1883, 


Hcemulon  sciurus  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII, 

1898,  1303,  PI.  CCV,  fig.  531. 

Head  2.7  to  2.8;  depth  2.6  to  2.7;  D.  XII,  16  or  17;  A.  Ill,  8  or  9; 
scales  48  to  57. 

Body  elongate,  compressed;  the  back  moderately  elevated;  anterior 
profile  convex  over  eyes  and  snout,  never  concave;  head  deep;  snout 
long,  2.2  to  2.4  in  head  ;  eye  3.6  to  4.3  ;  mouth  large,  terminal,  nearly 
horizontal;  maxillary  reaching  to  or  slightly  past  anterior  margin  of 
pupil,  1.9  to  2  in  head;  teeth  in  jaws  in  narrow  villiform  bands,  the 
outer  ones  somewhat  enlarged  ;  preopercle  finely  serrate  ;  gill-rakers 
rather  short,  16  to  18  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch;  scales  rather  small. 
those  above  lateral  line  anteriorly  rather  smaller  than  those  below  it, 
the  series  quite  oblique,  6  or  7  rows  between  the  lateral  line  and  the 
origin  of  the  dorsal  ;  pectoral  fins  with  scales  at  base  but  with  few  or  none 
on  distal  parts,  the  soft  portion  of  the  other  fins  densely  scaled  ;  dorsal 
fin  long,  not  deeply  notched,  the  fourth  spine  usually  the  longest,  equal 
to  or  a  little  shorter  than  the  snout,  the  soft  part  with  a  strongly  convex 
outline,  the  anterior  rays  scarcely  higher  than  the  posterior  ones  ;  caudal 
fin  forked,  the  upper  lobe  the  longer  ;  anal  fin  with  3  spines,  the  second 
the  longest,  reaching  to  or  slightly  past  the  tip  of  the  third  when 
deflexed,  of  about  the  same  length  as  the  longest  dorsal  spine;  ventral 
fins  inserted  notably  nearer  origin  of  anal  than  tip  of  lower  jaw;  pectoral 
fins  moderate,  1.3  to  1.55  in  head. 

Color  yellowish;  sides  of  body  and  head  with  about  10  blue  hori- 
zontal stripes,  the  one  below  the  eye  arched,  wavy  ;  spinous  dorsal  pale 
yellow,  with  orange  border;  soft  dorsal  greenish,  with  orange  border; 
caudal  fin  dusky  at  base,  the  distal  part  yellowish  green  ;  anal  yellowish 
green  ;  ventrals  and  pectorals  light  yellow  ;  inside  of  mouth  deep  red. 
In  the  young  (58  mm.  long)  the  blue  stripes  on  head  and  sides  are 
very  indistinct,  and  there  is  an  indication  of  a  dark  bar  extending  along 
median  line  of  side. 


APRIL  15,  1925.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.     535 

This  species  is  represented  by  15  specimens,  ranging  in  length  from 
58  to  305  mm.  It  is  apparently  less  abundant  than  H.  plumierii. 

Known  from  Florida  to  Brazil.  Once  recorded  from  the  Atlantic 
coast  of  Panama  by  Haly,  1875.  Our  specimens  are  from  Toro  Point, 
Colon  and  Porto  Bello. 

388.  Haemulon  macrostomum  Giinther. 

Hamulon  macrostoma  Gunther,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus.,  I,   1859,  308 
(Jamaica). 

Hcemulon  fremebundum  Goode  &  Bean,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1879, 
340  (Clearwater  Harbor,  Florida). 

Diabasis  fremebundus  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XVI, 

1883,  554- 
Hamulon  macrostomum  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

XLVII,  1898,  1296,  PI.  CCIV,  fig.  529. 

Head  2.6  to  2.8;  depth  2.4  to  2.55;  D.  XII,  15  to  17;  A.  Ill,  8  or  9; 
scales  50  to  60. 

Body  moderately  elongate,  compressed;  anterior  profile  nearly 
straight  and  oblique  over  snout  and  eyes,  strongly  convex  at  nape ;  head 
rather  deep;  snout  long,  tapering,  2.2  to  2.5  in  head;  eye  3.1  to  4.4; 
mouth  large,  terminal,  horizontal;  maxillary  reaching  nearly  or  quite 
opposite  middle  of  eye,  1.9  to  2.3  in  head;  teeth  in  the  jaws  in  narrow 
villiform  bands,  the  outer  teeth  enlarged ;  preopercular  margin  very 
finely  serrate;  gill-rakers  short,  16  or  17  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch; 
scales  moderate,  the  series  above  lateral  line  oblique,  7  rows  between 
the  lateral  line  and  origin  of  dorsal;  pectoral  fins  with  small  scales  on 
base  only;  other  fins  completely  scaled;  dorsal  fin  long,  the  third  or 
fourth  spine  the  longest,  equal  to  length  of  snout  in  adult,  propor- 
tionately longer  in  young,  the  margin  of  fin  nearly  straight,  the  anterior 
rays  about  twice  as  long  as  the  posterior  ones ;  caudal  fin  forked,  the 
upper  lobe  the  longer;  anal  fin  with  3  spines,  the  second  enlarged,  but 
not  reaching  past  the  tip  of  the  third,  a  little  shorter  than  the  longest 
dorsal  spine;  ventral  fins  inserted  a  little  nearer  origin  of  anal  than 
tip  of  lower  jaw;  pectorals  moderate,  1.2  to  1.87  in  head. 

Color  in  life  bluish  black  above,  brownish  below ;  back  with  a  black 
median  stripe,  at  each  side  of  it  a  broad  yellowish  green  band;  sides 
with  alternating  dark  stripes  and  pale  blue  bands,  indistinct  or  more 
usually  wanting  on  lower  half ;  scales  mostly  with  pearly  centers ; 
upper  margin  of  eye  reddish  brown,  lower  margin  golden;  sptnous 


536    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

dorsal  brownish  green,  with  golden  margin;  soft  dorsal  dark  at  base, 
elsewhere  greenish  yellow;  caudal  fin  with  a  distinct  spot  at  base  in 
young,  becoming  obscure  and  much  enlarged  with  age,  spreading  over 
base  of  fin,  the  distal  portion  of  fin  yellowish  green;  anal  fin  dark 
brown,  with  the  last  rays  and  the  margin  yellow;  ventrals  black  with 
pale  outer  margin;  pectorals  orange.  The  dark  longitudinal  stripes  in 
this  species  do  not  disappear  with  age  as  in  related  species.  They, 
however,  are  much  more  distinct  in  some  specimens  than  in  others, 
but  apparently  never  wanting. 

We  preserved  92  specimens,  ranging  in  length  from  69  to  285  mm. 
It  was  found  abundant  on  the  coral  reefs,  but  was  not  taken  elsewhere. 

Recorded  from  Florida,  the  West  Indies,  the  coast  of  Panama,  and 
Cartagena,  Colombia.  Our  specimens  were  taken  at  Toro  Point,  Colon 
and  Porto  Bello. 

389.  Hamilton  melanurum  (Linnaeus). 

Perca  melanura  Linnaeus,  Syst.  Nat.,  Ed.  X,  1758,  292;  Ed.  XII,  1766, 

486  (Bahamas). 
Hamulon  schranki  Agassiz,  in  Spix,  Pise.  Brasil.,  1831,  121,  PI.  LXIX 

(Brazil). 

H&mulon  dor  sale  Poey,  Memorias,  II,  1860,  179  (Cuba). 

Hamulon  melanurum  Cope,  Trans.  Amer.  Philo.  Soc.  Phila.,  XIV,  1871, 
471 ;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1898, 
1302. 

Head  2.8  to  3;  depth  2.65  to  2.95;  D.  XII,  15  or  16;  A.  Ill,  7  or 
8 ;  scales  below  lateral  line  50  to  55. 

This  species  was  not  taken  on  the  coast  of  Panama,  but  we  have 
examined  specimens  in  the  National  Museum  from  the  Bahama  Islands 
and  from  Cozumel.  It  is  rather  closely  related  to  H.  sciurus,  from 
which  it  may,  however,  be  distinguished  by  the  fewer  gill-rakers  and 
by  the  color.  In  H.  melanurum  there  are  from  12  to  14  gill-rakers  on 
the  lower  limb  of  the  first  arch,  while  in  H.  sciurus  there  are  16  to  18. 
H.  melanurum  is  described  as  having  about  10  horizontal  golden 
stripes  in  life.  These  fade  in  spirits;  a  dark  band  extends  from  the 
snout  through  eye  to  caudal  peduncle.  At  the  base  of  the  dorsal  is  a 
black  stripe  which  extends  along  the  upper  surface  of  the  caudal  pe- 
duncle and  forks  on  the  base  of  the  caudal  fin,  the  branches  extend- 
ing on  the  caudal  lobes. 

Recorded  from  the  Bahama  Islands  south  to  Brazil. 


APRIL  15,  1925.  FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    537 

390.  Haemulon  carbonarium  Poey. 

Hcemulon  carbonarium  Poey,  Memorias,  II,  1860,  176  (Cuba)  ;  Jordan 

&  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1898,  1300. 

Head  2.7  to  2.95;  depth  2.45  to  2.8;  D.  XII,  15  or  16;  A.  Ill,  7  or 
8;  scales  52  to  60. 

Body  elongate,  compressed ;  the  back  elevated,  anterior  profile  nearly 
straight  over  snout,  slightly  swollen  between  eyes,  convex  at  nape ;  head 
rather  large;  snout  long,  2.3  to  2.6  in  head;  eye  3.05  to  3.5;  mouth 
large,  terminal,  nearly  horizontal;  maxillary  reaching  slightly  past  an- 
terior margin  of  eye,  2.15  to  2.4  in  head;  teeth  in  the  jaws  in  villiform 
bands,  the  outer  ones  notably  enlarged;  preopercle  finely  serrate;  gill- 
rakers  short,  13  or  14  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch;  scales  moderate,  the 
series  above  lateral  line  very  oblique,  6  or  7  rows  between  the  lateral 
line  and  origin  of  dorsal;  the  fins  all  densely  scaled  in  adult,  the  pec- 
torals only  partly  scaled  in  young;  dorsal  fin  long,  moderately  notched, 
the  third  or  fourth  spine  the  longest,  slightly  exceeding  the  length  of 
snout,  the  soft  part  with  convex  margin ;  caudal  fin  moderately  forked, 
the  lobes  rather  acute;  anal  fin  with  3  spines,  the  second  the  largest, 
usually  reaching  the  tip  of  the  third  when  deflexed,  equal  to  length  of 
snout;  ventral  fins  inserted  a  little  nearer  origin  of  anal  than  tip  of 
lower  jaw;  pectoral  fins  moderate,  1.2  to  1.4  in  head. 

Color  bluish  above,  pale  brown  below ;  sides  with  bronze  longitudi- 
nal stripes  which  become  faint  but  do  not  disappear  in  spirits;  sides  of 
head  with  faint  dark  lines ;  upper  margin  of  eye  rusty  red ;  mouth  bright 
red;  spinous  dorsal  reddish  brown;  soft  dorsal  dark  brown  with  deep 
red  on  base  and  margin ;  caudal  dark  brown  at  base,  becoming  paler 
distally;  anal  dark  brown  with  narrow  pale  margin;  ventrals  and  pec- 
torals brownish. 

This  species  is  represented  by  29  specimens,  ranging  in  length  from 
170  to  275  mm.  It  seems  to  inhabit  mostly  rocky  bottom.  It  is  appar- 
ently not  very  common  and  is  rarely  seen  in  the  market.  A  specimen 
taken  in  April  has  the  ovaries  well  distended  with  eggs.  We  have  at 
hand  the  type  of  this  species  for  comparison,  with  it  our  specimens 
agree  perfectly. 

Known  from  the  Bermuda  Islands  south  to  Brazil.  Our  specimens 
were  taken  at  Toro  Point,  Colon  and  Porto  Bello. 

391.  Hsemulon  steindachneri  (Jordan  &  Gilbert). 

Hcemulon  caudimacula  Steindachner,  (Sitzb.  k.  Ak.  Wiss.  Wein, 
LXXII)  Ichth.  Beitr.,  Ill,  1875,  15  (not  of  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes). 

Diabasis  steindachneri  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  I, 
1881  (1882),  322  (Panama;  Mazatlan). 


538    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

Hcemulon  steindachneri  Jordan  &  Swain,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1884, 
299;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1898, 
1301 ;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  105 
(Panama  Bay)  ;  Kendall  &  Radcliffe,  Memoir.  Mus.  Comp.  Zool., 
XXXV,  1912,  115  (Acapulco;  Perico  Island,  Panama  Bay). 

H&mulon  schranki  Evermann  &  Jenkins,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1891, 
153  (not  of  Agassiz)  ;  Jordan  &  Fesler,  Kept.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm., 
XVII,  1889-91  (1893),  473  (not  of  Agassiz). 

Head  2.75  to  2.95;  depth  2.7  to  2.85;  D.  XII,  15  to  17;  A.  Ill, 

8  or  9 ;  scales  53  to  62. 

Body  elongate,  compressed ;  the  back  not  greatly  elevated ;  anterior 
profile  evenly  convex;  head  rather  long;  snout  pointed,  2.55  to  2.8  in 
head ;  eye  3.6  to  4 ;  mouth  rather  large,  terminal,  nearly  horizontal ; 
maxillary  reaching  slightly  past  anterior  margin  of  eye,  2  to  2.1  in 
head;  teeth  in  the  jaws  in  narrow  villiform  bands,  the  outer  ones 
slightly  enlarged ;  preopercle  rather  strongly  serrate ;  gill-rakers  small, 
12  or  13  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch;  scales  moderate,  the  series  above 
lateral  line  very  oblique,  the  row  beginning  at  scapular  scale  ending 
in  advance  of  middle  of  spinous  dorsal,  5  or  6  oblique  rows  between 
the  lateral  line  and  the  origin  of  the  dorsal;  pectorals  with  a  few 
scales  at  base,  the  other  fins  mostly  covered  with  scales ;  dorsal  fin  long, 
moderately  notched,  the  fourth  spine  longest,  equal  to  length  of  snout 
and  one-third  the  eye,  the  soft  part  with  convex  margin;  caudal 
fin  forked,  both  lobes  acute;  anal  fin  with  3  spines,  the  second  en- 
larged, reaching  past  the  tip  of  the  third  when  deflexed,  as  long 
as  the  longest  dorsal  spine;  ventral  fins  inserted  about  midway  be- 
tween tip  of  lower  jaw  and  origin  of  anal  or  slightly  nearer  the  latter ; 
pectoral  fins  rather  long,  1.05  to  1.27  in  head. 

Color  in  spirits  grayish  above,  silvery  below;  scales  on  sides  with 
pearly  gray  centers,  forming  distinct  lines  along  the  rows  of  scales ; 
base  of  caudal  black  at  all  ages ;  fins  otherwise  plain. 

Seven  specimens,  ranging  in  length  from  170  to  235  mm.,  were 
secured  on  the  Pacific  coast,  but  the  species  was  not  seen  on  the 
Atlantic  coast.  We  have  compared  our  specimens  with  3  specimens 
from  Brazil  and  find  them  identical. 

Known  on  the  Pacific  coast  from  Guaymas  to  Panama  and  on 
the  Atlantic  coast  from  St.  Lucia  to  Rio  de  Janeiro.  Our  specimens 
were  all  purchased  in  the  Panama  City  market  where  the  species  is 
only  occasionally  seen. 


APRIL  15,  1925.  FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.   539 

392.  Haemulon  parra  (Desmarest). 

Diabasis  parra  Desmarest,  Prem.  Dec.  Ichth.,  1823,  30,  PI.  II,  fig.  2 

(Havana). 
Hamilton  caudimacula  Cuvier,  Regne  Animal,  Ed.  II,  II,  1829,  176 

(Brazil;  Havana). 
Hcemulon  chromis  Broussonet,  MS.,  in  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist. 

Nat.  Poiss.,  V,  1830,  242  (Jamaica). 
Hcemulon  canna  Agassiz,  in  Spix,  Pise.  Brasil.,  1831,  130,  PI.  LXIX 

(not  of  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes). 
Diabasis  chromis  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.   U.   S.   Nat.   Mus.,  XVI, 

1883,  924. 
Hcemulon  parra  Jordan  &  Fesler,  Kept.  U.   S.  Fish  Comm.,  XVII, 

1889-91   (1893),  471;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

XLVII,  1898,  1297,  PI.  CCIV,  fig.  530;  Fowler,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat. 

Sci.  Phila.,  1916,  402  (Colon),  and  1917,  132  (Colon). 

Head  2.8  to  2.9;  depth  2.5  to  2.7;  D.  XII,  17;  A.  Ill,  8;  scales 
50  to  52. 

Body  moderately  deep,  compressed ;  anterior  profile  gently  convex ; 
head  rather  deep ;  snout  moderate,  2.4  to  2.75  in  head ;  eye  3.2  to  3.85 ; 
mouth  moderate,  terminal,  nearly  horizontal;  maxillary  reaching 
vertical  from  anterior  margin  of  eye  in  adult  and  to  pupil  in  young,  2.3 
to  2.6  in  head;  teeth  in  narrow  villiform  bands,  the  outer  ones  scarcely 
enlarged;  preopercle  serrate;  gill-rakers  short,  13  or  14  on  the  lower 
limb  of  the  first  arch ;  scales  moderate,  the  series  above  the  lateral  line 
very  oblique  and  wavy,  5  or  $y2  rows  between  the  lateral  line  and 
the  origin  of  dorsal;  fins  all  very  densely  scaled;  dorsal  fin  long,  the 
third  spine  longest,  equal  to  length  of  snout  in  adult,  proportionately 
longer  in  young,  the  soft  dorsal  with  a  convex  outline;  caudal  fin 
deeply  emarginate;  anal  fin  with  3  spines,  the  second  somewhat  en- 
larged, scarcely  as  long  as  the  longest  dorsal  spine;  ventral  fins 
inserted  a  little  nearer  origin  of  anal  than  tip  of  lower  jaw;  .pectoral 
fins  rather  short,  1.45  to  1.55  in  head. 

Color  grayish  brown ;  rows  of  scales  on  sides  marked  by  indistinct 
dark  lines.  Young  with  3  or  4  dark  longitudinal  bars;  the  lower 
one,  which  extends  from  snout  through  eye  to  base  of  caudal,  is  most 
peristent;  present  in  specimens  up  to  115  mm.  in  length.  Young  also 
with  a  distinct  black  caudal  spot. 

We  have  seven  specimens,  ranging  in  length  from  30  to  240  mm., 
which  we  refer  to  this  species.  As  here  understood,  H.  parra  is  much 
less  abundant  on  the  coast  of  Panama  than  H.  bonariense.  This 
species  differs  from  H.  bonariense  in  the  more  densely  scaled  fins, 


540    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

particularly  the  pectorals,  which  in  H.  bonariense  are  almost  wholly 
naked  but  are  fully  scaled  in  the  adult  of  the  present  species.  The 
black  lines  along  the  rows  of  scales  are  much  less  distinct  in  H.  parra. 
The  young  of  the  two  species  are  extremely  hard  to  separate,  for  the 
distinctive  characters  just  mentioned  are  not  well  developed  until  the 
fish  reaches  a  length  of  more  than  100  mm. 

Recorded  from  Florida  south  to  Brazil.  Our  specimens  were  taken 
at  Toro  Point  and  Colon. 

393.  Haemulon  album  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes. 

Perca  gibbosa  Walbaum,  Artedi  Piscium,  Pt.  IV,  1792,  348  (not  Perca 
gibbosa  Linnaeus,  which  is  Lepomis  gibbosus). 

Calliodon  gibbosus  Bloch  &  Schneider,  Syst.  Ichth.,  1801,  312. 

Hamulon  album  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  V,  1830, 
241  (St.  Thomas) ;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 
XLVII,  1898,  1295,  PI.  CCIII,  fig.  528. 

Hamulon  micro  phthalmum  Giinther,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus.,  I,  1859,  306 
(America). 

Hcemulon  gibbosum  Jordan  &  Swain,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1884,  290. 

Head  2.85;  depth  2.47;  eye  4.35  in  head;  snout  2.5;  maxillary 
2.43;  D.  XII,  17;  A.  Ill,  8;  scales  53. 

This  species  is  not  recorded  from  the  coast  of  Panama,  but  it 
is  here  included  because  its  range  brings  it  within  the  scope  of  the 
present  work.  We  have  examined  a  single  specimen,  185  mm.  in 
length,  from  Havana,  Cuba.  It  appears  to  differ  from  related  species 
in  the  less  deeply  notched  dorsal  fin,  the  last  two  spines  being  of  about 
equal  length,  while  in  related  species  the  last  one  is  longer  than  the 
one  preceding  it.  The  soft  dorsal  is  very  low,  and  its  margin  is 
convex.  The  caudal  fin  is  rather  deeply  forked,  as  in  H.  scudderii. 
The  second  anal  spine  is  not  very  strong  but  it  reaches  beyond  the 
tip  of  the  third  when  the  fin  is  deflexed.  The  pectoral  fins  appear 
to  be  shorter  than  in  related  species  and  they  are  devoid  of  scales,  except 
at  base,  and  are  contained  1.35  times  in  head.  The  scales  above  lateral 
line  are  in  oblique  series,  there  being  7  between  the  lateral  line  and  the 
origin  of  the  dorsal.  The  gill-rakers  are  small,  13  on  the  lower  limb 
of  the  first  arch.  The  color  of  the  old  specimen  at  hand  is  pale  gray ; 
the  scales  have  slightly  darker  bases  but  there  are  no  bars  or  spots  on 
head  or  body. 

Known  from  Florida  to  Brazil. 


FIELD   MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY. 


ZOOLOGY,   VOL.    XV,    PL.    LIV. 


FIG.    1.    H/EMULON  BONARIENSE  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes. 
From  a  specimen  150  mm.  in  length. 


FIG.   2.      H/EMULON  SCUDDERII  Gill. 
From  the  type  92  mm.  in  length. 


APRIL  15,  1925.  FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    541 

394.  Haemulon  bonariense   Cuvier  &  Valenciennes.     (Plate  LIV, 

fig.  i.) 
Hamulon  bonariense  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.   Poiss.,  V, 

1830,  254  (Buenos  Ay  res)  ;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat. 

Mus.,  XLVII,  1898,  1297. 
H&mulon  canna  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  V,  1830, 

233  (Martinique;  not  of  Agassiz). 

Head  2.7  to  2.9 ;  depth  2.27  to  2.7 ;  D.  XII,  15  to  17 ;  A.  Ill,  8  or  9 ; 
scales  43  to  50. 

Body  moderately  deep,  compressed;  anterior  profile  evenly  con- 
vex; head  compressed;  snout  rather  long,  2.3  to  3.2  in  head;  eye  3.05 
to  4.65 ;  mouth  moderate,  slightly  oblique,  terminal ;  maxillary  scarcely 
reaching  anterior  margin  of  eye  in  large  specimens,  to  anterior  margin 
of  pupil  in  young,  2.5  to  2.8  in  head;  teeth  in  the  jaws  in  villiform 
bands,  the  outer  ones  scarcely  enlarged;  preopercle  serrate;  gill-rakers 
short,  12  to  14  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch ;  scales  moderate,  the  series 
above  lateral  line  oblique  and  wavy,  variable,  the  series  beginning  at 
scapula  ascending  rapidly,  ending  under  or  in  advance  of  middle  of 
base  of  spinous  dorsal  in  some  specimens,  ending  behind  origin  of  soft 
dorsal  in  others ;  5  or  6  oblique  rows  of  scales  between  the  lateral  line 
and  origin  of  dorsal;  all  the  fins  except  the  pectorals  densely  scaled; 
dorsal  fin  long,  the  spines  moderate,  the  third  the  longest,  equal  to 
length  of  snout  in  adult,  proportionately  longer  in  young,  the  outline 
of  the  soft  dorsal  strongly  convex;  caudal  fin  deeply  emarginate;  anal 
fin  with  3  spines,  the  second  enlarged,  nearly  or  quite  as  long  as  the 
longest  dorsal  spine;  ventral  fins  inserted  a  little  nearer  origin  of  anal 
than  tip  of  lower  jaw;  pectoral  fins  moderate,  i.i  to  1.4  in  head. 

Color  dark  grayish  above,  silvery  below ;  rows  of  scales  on  sides 
marked  by  very  distinct  dark  rusty  brown  lines,  formed  by  spots  on 
the  skin  underneath  the  scales.  Young  of  70  mm.  and  less  in  length 
with  3  or  4  black  longitudinal  stripes,  the  lower  one  extending  from 
snout  through  eye  to  base  of  caudal  is  broadest  and  most  distinct. 
This  stripe  persists  in  specimens  up  to  115  mm.  in  length.  In  the 
young  there  is  a  very  distinct  caudal  spot  present,  which  remains 
visible  in  specimens  up  to  140  mm.  in  length.  Pectoral  fins  plain 
translucent ;  other  fins  all  dusky. 

Over  100  specimens  of  this  species,  ranging  in  length  from  28  to 
380  mm.,  were  preserved.  It  is  seen  in  the  market  daily  and  is  of 
considerable  commercial  importance.  There  seems  to  be  much  doubt 
as  to  the  true  relationship  of  this  species  and  H.  parra.  The  oblique- 
ness of  the  rows  of  scales  above  the  lateral  line,  which  has  been  men- 


542    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

tioned  by  authors  as  a  distinctive  character,  is  shown  by  our  large 
series  to  be  of  no  value,  as  it  is:  extremely  variable.  We  have  re- 
ferred to  this  species  all  specimens  having  the  pectorals  scaleless,  ex- 
cept for  a  few  small  scales  on  the  base  of  the  fins  and  those  that  have 
the  dark  lines  along  the  rows  of  scales  very  distinct.  Those  having 
the  pectoral  fins  densely  scaled  and  the  dark  lines  indistinct,  we  have 
referred  to  H.  parr  a. 

Recorded  from  the  West  Indies  south  to  Buenos  Ayres.  Our 
specimens  are  from  Toro  Point,  Colon  and  Porto  Bello. 

395.  Haemulon  scudderii  Gill.    (Plate  LIV,  fig.  2.) 

Hamulon  scudderii  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1862,  253  (Cape 

San  Lucas). 
Hcemulon  scudderi  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII, 

1898,  1299;  Boulenger,  Boll.  Mus.  Zool.  Anat.  Torino,  XIV,  No. 

335>  I&99>  3  (Sta.  Elena  Bay,  Ecuador)  ;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir. 

Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  104  (Panama  Bay)  ;  Kendall  &  Radcliffe, 

Memoir.  Mus.  Comp.  Zool.,  XXXV,  1912,  115  (Acapulco;  Perico 

Island,  Panama  Bay). 
Hcemulon  brevirostrum  Giinther,  Trans.  Zool.  Soc.  London,  VI,  1869, 

418  (Panama). 
Hcemulon  undecimale  Steindachner,  (Sitzb.  k.  Ak.  Wiss.  Wien.,  LX) 

Ichth.  Beitr.,  Ill,  1875,  n   (Acapulco;  Panama). 
Diabasis  scudderi  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1882,  361, 

626. 

Head  2.85  to  3.05;  depth  2.45  to  2.7;  D.  usually  XI,  occasionally 
XII,  15  or  16;  A.  Ill,  7  or  8;  scales  47  to  53. 

Body  elongate,  compressed ;  the  back  moderately  elevated ;  head 
deep,  compressed;  snout  rather  long,  2.75  to  3.25  in  head;  eye  2.8 
to  5.35;  mouth  moderate,  terminal,  nearly  horizontal;  maxillary 
reaching  slightly  past  anterior  margin  of  eye,  2.2  to  2.45  in  head; 
teeth  in  the  jaws  in  narrow  villiform  bands,  the  outer  ones  scarcely 
enlarged;  preopercle  finely  serrate;  gill-rakers  very  short,  11  to  13 
on  lower  limb  of  first  arch;  scales  moderate,  the  series  above  lateral 
line  very  oblique,  more  so  than  in  any  of  the  related  species,  the  ser- 
ies beginning  with  the  scapular  scale  ending  at  base  of  sixth  dorsal 
spine  or  in  advance  of  this  point,  not  wavy  as  in  related  species,  5  or 
6  oblique  rows  between  the  lateral  line  and  origin  of  dorsal;  pectoral 
fins  with  a  few  scales  on  base ;  other  fins  covered  with  scales  in  adult ; 
dorsal  fin  long,  the  third  spine  the  longest,  equal  to  length  of  snout 
in  adult,  proportionately  longer  in  young,  the  soft  part  with  strongly 


APRIL  15,  1925.  FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    543 

convex  margin ;  caudal  fin  forked,  notably  more  so  than  in  related 
species;  anal  fin  with  3  spines,  the  second  enlarged,  not  much  shorter 
than  the  longest  dorsal  spine;  ventral  fins  inserted  a  little  nearer 
origin  of  anal  than  tip  of  lower  jaw;  pectoral  fins  moderate,  1.2  to  1.35 
in  head. 

Color  silvery  gray  to  dark  gray;  rows  of  scales  on  sides  marked 
by  round  black  spots  on  the  skin  underneath  the  scales.  These  spots 
are  never  coalesced  and  do  not  form  continuous  streaks.  Young  with 
4  black  longitudinal  stripes;  the  lower  one,  which  extends  from  snout 
through  eye  to  the  base  of  the  caudal,  is  the  most  persistent,  being 
visible  in  specimens  up  to  115  mm.  in  length.  The  young  also  possess 
a  distinct  caudal  spot  which  becomes  obscure  with  age  but  remains 
visible  longer  than  the  longitudinal  stripes.  The  black  spots  along  the 
rows  of  scales  are  not  present  in  the  very  young. 

We  preserved  91  specimens,  ranging  in  length  from  50  to  350  mm. 
It  is  the  most  common  species  of  the  genus  on  the  Pacific  coast  of 
Panama  and  is  of  considerable  commercial  importance.  It  is  the 
Pacific  representative  of  H.  bonariense,  from  which  it  may,  however, 
be  distinguished  by  the  more  deeply  forked  caudal,  the  more  oblique 
rows  of  scales  on  sides,  and  by  the  round  spots  along  the  rows-  of 
scales  which  do  not  coalesce  as  in  H.  bonariense.  The  fins  are  also 
less  densely  scaled  than  in  H.  bonariense. 

Known  from  Guaymas  to  Guayaquil.  Our  specimens  were  taken 
at  Chame  Point,  Taboga  Island,  Naos  Island,  Balboa  and  Panama 
City. 

396.  Haemulon  sexfasciatum  Gill. 

Hamulon  sexfasciatus  Gill,   Proc.   Ac.   Nat.    Sci.   Phila.,    1862,  254 

(Cape  San  Lucas). 
Hamulon   maculosum   Peters,   Monatsb.  k.   Ak.   Wiss.   Berlin,    1869, 

705  (Mazatlan). 
Hamulon  sexfasciatum  Jordan  &  Swain,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1884, 

288;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1898, 

1294. 

Head  2.65;  depth  2.7;  D.  XII,  15;  A.  Ill,  9;  scales  53. 

Body  elongate,  compressed;  the  back  elevated;  anterior  profile 
straight  and  oblique  over  snout  and  eyes,  convex  at  nape ;  head  deep ; 
snout  long,  2.15  in  head;  eye  6.2;  mouth  rather  large,  terminal, 
horizontal;  maxillary  reaching  vertical  from  anterior  margin  of  eye, 
2.2  in  head;  teeth  in  the  jaws  in  narrow  villiform  bands,  the  outer 
ones  not  enlarged;  preopercle  finely  serrate;  gill-rakers  rather  strong, 


544    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

12  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch;  scales  moderate,  the  series  above  lat- 
eral line  quite  oblique,  7  rows  between  the  lateral  line  and  the  origin 
of  the  dorsal;  pectoral  fins  with  scales  on  base  only,  the  other  fins 
all  densely  scaled ;  dorsal  fin  long,  deeply  notched,  the  third  spine  the 
longest,  a  little  shorter  than  the  snout,  the  soft  part  highest  anteriorly, 
with  a  convex  margin ;  caudal  fin  very  deeply  emarginate ;  anal  fin  with 
3  spines,  the  second  enlarged,  but  failing  to  reach  the  tip  of  the  third 
when  deflexed,  somewhat  shorter  than  the  longest  dorsal  spine;  ven- 
tral fins  inserted  notably  nearer  origin  of  anal  than  tip  of  lower  jaw; 
pectoral  fins  rather  short,  1.65  in  head. 

Color  grayish  silvery;  sides  with  6  dark  cross-bars  which  are 
notably  wider  than  the  interspaces;  a  few  dark  spots  on  head  behind 
the  eye;  scales  anteriorly  above  the  lateral  line  with  dark  bases;  fins 
pale  dusky;  axil  of  pectoral  dark. 

A  single  large  specimen,  480  mm.  in  length,  was  obtained.  This 
appears  to  be  the  first  time  the  species  was  taken  as  far  south  as  the 
coast  of  Panama.  We  have  examined  one  of  the  type  specimens,  U. 
S.  N.  M.  No.  3000,  97  mm.  in  length,  from  Cape  San  Lucas  and  an- 
other from  the  Tres  Marias  Islands  on  the  west  coast  of  Mexico,  185 
mm.  long.  These  specimens  give  the  following  measurements :  Head  2.8 
and  2.85 ;  depth  2.5  and  2.85 ;  eye  3.2  and  3.8  in  head ;  snout  2.6  and 
3.2;  maxillary  2.55  and  2.65;  D.  XII,  15,  and  XII,  17;  A.  Ill,  9; 
scales  6-53  and  6-54.  The  color  is  essentially  the  same  as  in  our  large 
specimen,  except  that  the  cross-bars  are  somewhat  more  distinct. 
There  is  no  trace  of  dark  longitudinal  stripes  present  in  the  type  speci- 
men, which  indicates  that  they  are  probably  never  present. 

Known  from  Guaymas  to  Panama.  Our  specimen  was  taken  at 
Balboa. 

152.  Genus  Orthopristis  Girard. 

Orthopristis  Girard,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1859,  167  (type  Or- 
thopristis duplex  Girard  =  Perca  chrysoptera  Linnaeus). 
Pristocantharus  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1862,  256  (type  Pristi- 

poma  cantharinum  Jenyns). 
Isaciella  Jordan  &  Fesler,  Kept.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  XVII,  1889-91 

(1893),  500  (type  Pristipoma  brevipinne  Steindachner). 
Evapristis  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Rept.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  XXI,  1895 
(1896),  388  (type  Orthopristis  lethopristis  Jordan  &  Fesler). 
Body  moderately  elongate,  compressed;  the  back  more  or  less  ele- 
vated ;  head  rather  deep ;  snout  usually  long ;  mouth  small,  low ;  teeth 
in  the  jaws  in  villiform  bands,  the  outer  ones  usually  somewhat  en- 


APRIL  15,  1925.  FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    545 

larged;  preopercle  usually  finely  serrate;  gill-rakers  rather  long,  slen- 
der; scales  rather  small,  series  above  lateral  line  not  parallel  with  it, 
small  accessory  scales  present  or  wanting;  dorsal  and  anal  scaly  or 
not;  dorsal  fin  long,  not  deeply  notched,  the  spines  rather  slender,  the 
usual  dorsal  formula  XII  or  XIII,  12  to  15;  caudal  fin  not  deeply 
forked,  lunate;  anal  spines  small,  notably  smaller  than  the  dorsal 
spines.  *Two  species  of  this  genus  were  taken,  and  both  are  from  the 
Pacific  coast. 

KEY  TO  THE   SPECIES. 

a.  Body  deep,  the  depth  2.2  to  2.4  in  length;  dorsal  fin  normally 
with  12  spines  and  14  or  15  soft  rays;  anal  III,  10  or  n; 
dorsal  and  anal  fins  without  scales.  chalceus,  p.  545. 

aa.  Body  more  slender,  the  depth  2.6  to  2.7  in  length;  dorsal  fin 
normally  with  13  spines  and  16  or  17  soft  rays;  anal  fin  III, 
12  OF  13;  dorsal  and  anal  fins  mostly  covered  with  small  scales. 

brevipinnis,  p.  546. 

397.  Orthopristis  chalceus  (Gunther). 

Pristipoma  chalceum  Gunther,   Proc.  Zool.   Soc.  London,   1864,   146 
(Panama) ;  Boulenger,  Boll.  Mus.  Zool.  Anat.  Torino,  XIV,  No. 
346,  1899,  2  (Panama  Bay). 
Pristipoma  kneri  Steindachner  (Sitzb.  k.  Ak.  Wiss.  Wien,  LX)  Ichth. 

Notizen,  VIII,  1869,  3,  PI.  II  (Mazatlan). 

Orthopristis  chalceus  Evermann  &  Jenkins,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 
1891,  149;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII, 
1898,  1337;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  no 
(Panama  Bay)  ;  Kendall  &  Radcliffe,  Memoir.  Mus.  Comp.  Zool., 
XXXV,  1912,  117  (Perico  Island;  Panama). 

Head  3  to  3.15;  depth  2.2  to  2.4;  D.  XII  (rarely  XIII),  14  or  15; 
A.  Ill,  10  or  ii ;  scales  in  longitudinal  series  below  lateral  line  55 
to  60. 

Body  rather  deep,  compressed;  the  back  elevated;  head  deep; 
snout  rather  long,  2.5  to  3.05  in  head;  eye  3.6  to  4.1;  mouth  rather 
small,  terminal,  slightly  oblique;  maxillary  scarcely  reaching  anterior 
margin  of  eye,  3  to  3.5  in  head ;  teeth  in  the  jaws  in  villiform  bands, 
the  outer  ones  slightly  enlarged;  preopercle  finely  serrate;  gill-rakers 
rather  short,  12  to  14  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch;  scales  moderate, 
the  series  above  lateral  line  not  parallel  with  it,  8  or  8j/£  oblique  rows 
between  the  lateral  line  and  origin  of  dorsal;  dorsal  and  anal  fins 
scaleless,  the  caudal  fin  with  minute  scales;  dorsal  fin  long,  not  deeply 

*  A  third  species,  O.  scapularis  Fowler,  not  obtained  by  us,  was  recorded 
from  Colon  by  Fowler  (Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1916,  p.  402). 


546    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

notched,  the  third  spine  usually  the  longest,  equal  to  length  of  snout 
in  adult,  proportionately  longer  in  young,  the  soft  part  with  gently 
convex  margin;  caudal  fin  scarcely  forked,  but  with  deeply  concave 
margin;  anal  fin  with  3  spines,  the  second  the  strongest,  but  notably 
shorter  than  the  longest  dorsal  spine,  and  not  much  longer  than  the 
eye,  the  soft  portion  with  strongly  convex  margin;  ventral  fins  in- 
serted a  little  nearer  origin  of  anal  than  tip  of  lower  jaw;  pectoral 
fins  moderate,  1.05  to  1.2  in  head. 

Color  brownish  above,  paler  below;  sides  with  irregular  yellow- 
ish green  lines,  running  upward  and  backward,  becoming  horizontal 
on  caudal  peduncle;  pectorals  pale,  the  other  fins  mostly  blue  black. 

We  preserved  40  specimens  of  this  species,  ranging  in  length  from 
1 60  to  275  mm.  This  is  a  common  fish  on  the  Pacific  coast  of  Pana- 
ma and  is  seen  in  the  Panama  City  market  daily.  It  is,  therefore,  a 
food  fish  of  considerable  importance.  The  young  were  not  observed. 

Known  from  the  Gulf  of  California  to  Panama,  the  Galapagos 
Islands  and  the  coast  of  Peru.  Our  specimens  are  from  Chame  Point, 
Balboa  and  Panama  City. 

398.  Orthopristis  brevipinnis  (Steindachner). 

Pristipoma    (H&mulopsis1)    brevipinne    Steindachner,    (Sitzb.    k.    Ak. 

Wiss.  Wien,  LX)  Ichth.  Notizen,  VIII,  1869,  10,  PL  V  (Mazatlan). 
Isaciella  brevipinnis  Jordan  &  Fesler,  Kept.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  XVII, 

1889-91  (1893),  497;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

XLVII,  1898,  1341. 
Orthopristis  brevipinnis  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV, 

1904,  in,  PL  XV,  fig.  30  (Panama  Bay). 

Head  3.3  to  3.4;  depth  2.6  to  2.7;  D.  XIII,  16  or  17;  A.  Ill,  12 
or  13;  scales  in  longitudinal  series  below  lateral  line  60  to  62. 

Body  elongate,  moderately  compressed;  anterior  profile  evenly 
convex ;  head  rather  deep ;  snout  somewhat  pointed,  3  to  3.2  in  head ; 
eye  4.2  to  4.3 ;  mouth  rather  small,  terminal,  oblique ;  maxillary  scarcely 
reaching  anterior  margin  of  eye,  3  to  3.2  in  head;  teeth  in  the  jaws 
in  narrow  villiform  bands,  the  outer  ones  in  upper  jaw  slightly  en- 
larged; preopercle  serrate;  gill-rakers  short  and  slender,  about  16  on 
lower  limb  of  first  arch;  rows  of  scales  above  lateral  line  not  parallel 
with  it,  10  oblique  series  between  the  lateral  line  and  origin  of  dorsal; 
many  of  the  large  scales  with  accessory  scales  at  the  bases ;  vertical  fins 
with  small  scales;  dorsal  fin  long,  scarcely  notched,  the  third  spine 
the  longest,  equal  to  length  of  snout  and  eye,  the  soft  part  with  nearly 
straight  margin;  caudal  fin  forked,  both  lobes  acute;  anal  fin  with  3 


APRIL  15,  1925.  FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.   547 

spines,  the  second  and  third  of  about  equal  length,  not  longer  than 
eye ;  ventral  fins  inserted  about  equidistant  from  tip  of  lower  jaw  and 
origin  of  anal;  pectoral  fins  moderately  long,  1.05  to  1.15  in  head. 

Color  grayish,  with  brownish  gray  stripes  following  the  rows  of 
scales. 

Only  3  large  specimens,  ranging  in  length  from  355  to  375  mm., 
were  secured.  This  fish  is  apparently  rare  on  the  coast  of  Panama. 
We  follow  Gilbert  &  Starks  in  placing  this  species  in  the  genus  Ortho- 
pristis.  We  have  examined  the  types,  2  specimens  175  and  190  mm. 
long,  of  Microlepidotus  inornatus  Gill  (Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1862, 
p.  256) ,  which  we  consider  doubtfully  distinct  from  the  present 
species.  Our  series,  however,  is  too  small  and  the  size  of  the  speci- 
mens is  too  unequal  to  admit  of  satisfactory  comparison.  The  body 
in  inornatus  appears  to  be  slightly  more  slender,  the  oblique  rows  of 
scales  between  the  lateral  line  and  origin  of  the  dorsal  one  fewer  in 
number  and  the  lines  along  the  rows  of  scales  less  distinct. 

Known  from  Lower  California  south  to  Panama.  Our  specimens 
are  from  Balboa  and  Panama  City. 

153.  Genus  Pomadasys  Lacepede. 

Pomadasys  Lacepede,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  IV,  1803,  515   (type  Scicena 

argentea  Forskal). 

Body  oblong,  compressed;  the  back  usually  not  much  elevated; 
mouth  rather  small,  terminal,  protractile;  the  lips  thin;  the  maxillary 
not  reaching  past  middle  of  eye ;  teeth  in  jaws  only,  in  villiform  bands ; 
the  outer  series  in  upper  jaw  often  somewhat  enlarged ;  a  median  groove 
behind  the  symphysis  of  the  lower  jaw ;  preopercle  usually  distinctly  ser- 
rate, the  serrae  on  the  lower  limb  not  directed  forward;  cheeks  and 
opercles  scaly;  scales  of  moderate  size,  ctenoid;  lateral  line  complete, 
arched;  a  single  dorsal  with  XI  to  XIV,  n  to  15  rays,  with  a  more 
or  less  distinct  sheath  of  scales  at  base,  soft  portion  without  scales  or 
with  a  row  of  small  scales  between  the  rays ;  anal  with  III,  6  to  8  rays. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES. 

a.  Pectoral  fin  long,  reaching  to  or  past  tip  of  ventrals,  1.05  to  1.6 
in  head;  scales  large,  3  to  4^/2  series  between  lateral  line  and 
middle  of  soft  dorsal,  43  to  52  in  a  longitudinal  series,  above 
lateral  line,  from  supraclavicle  to  base  of  caudal. 

b.  Mouth  small,  the  maxillary  usually  not  reaching  anterior  mar- 
gin of  eye ;  a  row  of  small  scales  on  the  membrane  between  the 
soft  rays  of  dorsal. 


548    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY — •  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

c.  Caudal  forked,  the  upper  lobe  notably  the  longer;  pectorals  of 
moderate  length,  not  reaching  vertical  from  vent;  soft  dorsal 
with  14  to  15  rays,  rarely  with  only  13. 

d.  Head  and  body  robust;  the  greatest  width  of  head  equal  to 
length  of  snout  and  eye;  eye  small,  about  4.2  in  head  in  speci- 
mens 175  mm.  long;  interorbital  and  preorbital  wide,  notably 
wider  than  eye  in  specimens  175  mm.  long;  upper  posterior  mar- 
gin of  opercle  never  with  black.  corvineeformis,  p.  549. 

dd.  Head  and  body  more  compressed;  the  greatest  width  of  head 
equal  to  length  of  snout  and  about  half  of  eye;  eye  larger,  about 
3.8  in  head  in  specimens  175  mm.  in  length,  interorbital  and 
preorbital  narrower,  equal  to  or  narrower  than  eye  in  specimens 
175  mm.  long;  upper  posterior  margin  of  opercle  usually  jet 
black.  leuciscus,  p.  551. 

cc.  Caudal  emarginate,  the  lobes  of  about  equal  length;  pectorals 
very  long,  reaching  to  vertical  from  vent;  soft  dorsal  with  13 
rays.  macracanthus,  p.  552. 

bb.  Mouth  moderate,  the  maxillary  reaching  to  or  past  the  anterior 
margin  of  eye;  no  small  scales  between  the  rays  on  soft  dorsal. 

e.  Body  robust;  the  mouth  oblique,  the  gape  wide;  opercle  with 
a  conspicuous  bluish  black  spot  at  upper  posterior  angle;  pec- 
toral fins  very  long,  reaching  vertical  from  origin  of  anal,  1.05 
to  1. 1 5)  in  head;  anal  III,  8.  panamensis,  p.  554- 

ee.  Body  rather  slender,  compressed;  the  mouth  nearly  horizontal, 
the  gape  rather  narrow ;  opercle  without  a  black  spot  at  its  upper 
posterior  angle;  pectoral  fins  shorter,  not  reaching  past  vertical 
from  vent,  1.2  to  1.4  in  head;  anal  III,  7. 

f.  Body  low,  the  back  little  elevated;  the  depth  2.8  to  3.2  in 
length;  scales  in  3  series  between  the  lateral  line  and  middle  of 
soft  dorsal,  47  to  50  in  a  longitudinal  series  above  the  lateral 
line  from  supraclavicle  to  base  of  caudal.  branickii,  p.  555- 

ff.     Body  rather  deep,  the  back  rather  strongly  elevated,  the  depth 

2.8  in  length ;  scales  in  4  series  between  lateral  line  and  middle 
of  soft  dorsal,  51  or  52  in  the  longitudinal  series. 

approxiwians,  p.  556. 

aa.     Pectoral  fins  very  short,  not  reaching  tips  of  ventrals,  1.5  to 

1.9  in  head ;  scales  small,  5  to  6l/2  series  between  lateral  line  and 
middle  of  soft  dorsal,  57  to  70  in  a  longitudinal  series  above 
lateral  line  to  base  of  caudal. 


APRIL  15,  1925.  FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    549 

g.  Mouth  rather  large,  the  maxillary  reaching  about  anterior  mar- 
gin of  pupil,  2.2  to  2.7  in  head;  scales  small  and  in  irregular 
series,  difficult  to  enumerate,  6  or  6^  series  between  the  lateral 
line  and  middle  of  soft  dorsal,  60  to  70  in  a  longitudinal  series, 
above  lateral  line,  from  supraclavicle  to  base  of  caudal. 

bayanus,  p.  557. 

gg.  Mouth  somewhat  smaller,  the  maxillary  reaching  to  or  slightly 
past  anterior  margin  of  eye,  2.5  to  2.8  in  head ;  scales  somewhat 
larger,  the  series  more  regular  and  less  difficult  to  enumerate, 
5  or  $l/2  series  between  the  lateral  line  and  middle  of  soft  dorsal, 
57  to  63  in  the  longitudinal  series.  crocro,  p.  559. 

399.  Pomadasys  corvinaeformis  (Steindachner).    (Plate  LV,  fig.  i.) 

Hamilton  corvinaforme  Steindachner,  (Sitz.  k.  Ak.  Wiss.  Wien,  LVII) 

Ichth.  Notizen,  VII,  1868,  16  (Santos,  Brazil). 
Pomadasis  corvin&fonnis  Jordan  &  Fesler,  Rept.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.. 

XVII,  1889-91   (1893),  495- 
Brachydeuterus  corvinaformis  Jordan  &  Rutter,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci. 

Phila.,   1897,  110;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.   S.  Nat.  Mus., 

XLVII,  1898,  1326;  Fowler,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1917,  132 

(Colon). 
Pristipoma  corvin&forme  Metzelaar,  Over  Tropisch  Atlantische  Vis- 

schen,  Amsterdam,  1919,  85  (Dutch  West  Indies). 

Head  2.9  to  3.15;  depth  2.7  to  3.15;  D.  XII,  13  to  15;  A.  Ill,  6 
or  7 ;  scales  in  4^  series  between  lateral  line  and  middle  of  soft  dorsal, 
49  to  52  in  a  longitudinal  series,  above  lateral  line,  from  supraclavicle 
to  base  of  caudal. 

Body  elongate,  robust ;  the  back  moderately  elevated ;  anterior  profile 
evenly  convex;  head  short  and  robust,  its  greatest  width  equal  to 
length  of  snout  and  eye ;  snout  rather  short  and  blunt,  its  length  2.55 
to  3.2  in  head;  eye  3.2  to  4.6;  mouth  terminal,  slightly  oblique,  rather 
small;  the  maxillary  reaching  anterior  margin  of  eye,  3  to  3.25  in 
head;  preopercle  and  supraclavicle  serrate;  preorbital  wide,  wider 
than  the  small  eye,  except  in  young  less  than  90  mm.  in  length;  inter- 
orbital  wide,  notably  wider  than  in  P.  leuciscus;  scales  of  moder- 
ate size,  ctenoid;  lateral  line  arched,  concurrent  with  the  back;  gill- 
rakers  short,  10  to  12  more  or  less  developed  on  lower  limb  of  first 
arch ;  pseudobranchiae  well  developed ;  stomach  with  six  long  pyloric 
appendages ;  air  bladder  anteriorly  with  three  small  appendages ;  dor- 
sal spines  rather  short,  the  third  usually  the  longest,  1.85  to  2.4  in 


550    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

head;  soft  dorsal  with  a  low  sheath  of  scales  at  base,  the  rays  rather 
low,  a  row  of  small  scales  on  the  membrane  between  the  rays;  cau- 
dal forked,  the  upper  lobe  constantly  the  longer;  fin  almost  wholly 
covered  with  small  scales ;  anal  fin  small,  the  second  spine  the  strong- 
est, but  not  reaching  past  the  tip  of  the  third,  2.1  to  3.4  in  head;  the 
soft  rays  longer  than  the  spines,  a  row  of  small  scales  on  the  mem- 
brane between  the  rays;  ventral  fins  small,  the  outer  ray  developed 
into  a  very  short  filament,  not  reaching  vent;  pectorals  moderate, 
reaching  somewhat  past  the  tips  of  the  ventrals,  but  not  quite  to  ver- 
tical from  vent. 

Color  grayish  above,  silvery  below ;  young  with  about  5  indistinct 
vertical  bars  on  sides,  which  become  fainter  and  disappear  with  age; 
with  or  without  a  dark  blotch  at  beginning  of  lateral  line;  each  scale 
on  sides  with  a  dark  blotch,  forming  more  or  less  continuous  longi- 
tudinal streaks  along  the  rows  of  scales;  cheeks  with  2  more  or  less 
distinct  dark  streaks,  running  upward  and  backward;  lower  parts 
with  or  without  dusky  punctulations ;  fins  usually  all  more  or  less 
dusky. 

This  species  is  represented  by  23  specimens,  ranging  from  80  to 
1 80  mm.  in  length,  in  our  collection.  Upon  this  series  the  above  de- 
scription is  based.  P.  corvinaformis  is  very  close  to  P.  leuciscus,  es- 
pecially to  that  form  of  leuciscus  that  has  been  described  as  nitidus, 
from  which  it  can  scarcely  be  separated.  It,  however,  has  a  some- 
what more  robust  body,  a  wider  and  heavier  head  and  snout ;  the  an- 
terior profile  is  more  evenly  and  strongly  convex.  The  eye  is  smaller, 
the  preorbital  and  interorbital  wider.  Comparing  specimens  175  mm. 
in  length,  in  P.  cor  vines  for  mis  the  eye  is  contained  about  4.2  times  in 
head,  in  P.  leuciscus  only  about  3.8  times.  The  preorbital  and  inter- 
orbital  in  the  former,  using  specimens  of  the  same  size  as  above,  are 
notably  wider  than  the  eye;  in  the  latter  they  are  equal  to  or  nar- 
rower than  eye.  The  lines  along  the  rows  of  scales  on  sides  in  cor- 
vinceformis  are  more  distinct  than  in  any  specimen  of  leuciscus  seen 
by  us.  The  former  never  has  black  on  the  margin  of  the  opercle 
above  the  posterior  angle,  which  is  very  evident  in  many  specimens 
of  leuciscus.  Our  series  of  corvinaformis  does  not  present  the  wide 
and  bewildering  variations  found  in  leuciscus. 

Known  from  the  Atlantic  coast  from  the  West  Indies  south  to 
Brazil.  Our  specimens  are  from  Toro  Point ;  Fox  Bay,  Colon ;  Colon 
Reef;  Colon  Market,  and  Porto  Bello. 


APRIL  15,  1925.  FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.   551 

400.  Pomadasys  leuciscus  (Giinther).     (Plate  LV,  fig.  2.) 
Pristipoma  leuciscus  Giinther,  Proc.  Zool.  Soc.  London,  1864,  147  (San 

Jose  and   Chiapam),  and   Trans.   Zool.    Soc.   London,   VI,    1869, 

416,  PI.  LXVI,  fig.  3;  Boulenger,  Boll.  Mus.  Zool.  Anat.  Torino, 

XIV,  No.  346,  1899,  2. 
Pristipoma  (Hcemulopsis)  nitidum  Steindachner,  (Sitz.  k.  Ak.  Wiss. 

Wien,  LX)  Ichth.  Notizen,  VIII,  1869,  5,  PI.  Ill  (Mazatlan). 
Pomadasys  leuciscus  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1881, 

387.   " 
Pomadasys  elongatus  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1882, 

352  (Mazatlan;  Panama). 
Pomadasis  nitidus  Jordan  &  Fesler,  Kept.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  XVII, 

1889-91   (1893),  494. 
Pomadasis  leuciscus  Jordan  &  Fesler,  Rept.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  XVII, 

1889-91   (1893),  495;  Regan,  Biol.  Cent.  Amer.,  Pise.,  1907,  42. 
Brachydeuterus  nitidus  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

XLVII,  1898,  1326;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV, 

1904,  109. 
Brachydeuterus  leuciscus  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

XLVII,  1898,  1327;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV, 

1904,  109. 

Head  2.7  to  3.3 ;  depth  2.8  to  3.2 ;  D.  XII,  13  to  15 ;  A.  Ill,  7  or  8  ; 
scales  in  4^  or  5  series  between  the  lateral  line  and  middle  of  sec- 
ond dorsal,  49  to  52  in  a  horizontal  series,  above  the  lateral  line,  from 
supraclavicle  to  base  of  caudal. 

Body  elongate,  compressed;  the  back  moderately  elevated;  anterior 
profile  usually  almost  straight,  but  sometimes-  notably  convex;  head 
variable  in  shape,  usually  long  and  low,  but  sometimes  rather  short 
and  swollen  over  eyes,  its  greatest  width  usually  equal  to  length  of 
snout  and  half  of  eye;  snout  variable,  long  and  pointed  or  rather 
short  and  blunt,  its  length  2.3  to  3.3  in  head;  eye  3.1  to  5-35;  mouth 
terminal,  nearly  horizontal,  variable  in  size,  maxillary  usually  not 
reaching  anterior  margin  of  eye,  2.8  to  3.35  in  head;  preopercle  and 
supraclavicle  serrate,  the  serrae  becoming  blunter  with  age;  preor- 
bital  entire,  varying  greatly  with  age,  not  much  more  than  half  the 
width  of  the  eye  in  specimens  about  50  mm.  long;  one  and  one-half 
times  the  width  of  the  eye  in  specimens  300  mm.  long;  scales  mod- 
erate, ctenoid;  lateral  line  arched,  concurrent  with  the  back;  gill- 
rakers  short,  8  to  ii  more  or  less  developed  on  the  lower  limb  of  the 
first  arch ;  pseudobranchiae  large ;  stomach  with  5  or  6  very  long  py- 
loric  appendages ;  air  bladder  anteriorly  with  three  very  short  and 


552    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

slender  appendages;  dorsal  spines  moderate,  the  third  usually  the 
longest,  1.8  to  2.8  in  head;  soft  dorsal  with  a  very  low  sheath  of 
scales  at  base,  the  rays  rather  low,  a  row  of  small  scales  on  the  mem- 
brane between  the  rays;  caudal  forked,  the  upper  lobe  always  notably 
the  longer,  the  fin  covered  with  small  scales ;  anal  small,  the  second  spine 
the  strongest,  variable  in  size,  but  not  reaching  past  tip  of  the  third, 
2.1  to  4  in  head;  the  membrane  between  the  soft  rays  with  or  with- 
out a  row  of  small  scales;  ventral  fins  small,  the  outer  ray  developed 
into  a  short  filament,  not  reaching  vent ;  pectorals  rather  short,  reach- 
ing slightly  past  the  tips  of  the  short  ventrals,  1.2  to  1.6  in  head. 

Color  grayish  above,  silvery  below;  sides  with  or  without  indis- 
tinct cross-bars;  some  individuals  with  a  rather  wide,  pale  lateral 
band,  extending  from  upper  posterior  angle  of  opercle  to  base  of  cau- 
dal; scales  on  sides  with  or  without  a  dark  base,  sometimes  forming 
rather  distinct  dark  lines  along  the  rows  of  scales ;  belly  with  or  with- 
out dusky  punctulations ;  some  specimens  with  a  distinct  black  blotch, 
about  as  large  as  the  eye,  at  the  beginning  of  the  lateral  line,  this  faint 
or  wanting  in  others;  margin  of  opercle  from  upper  anterior  angle 
to  posterior  angle  often  with  a  prominent  jet  black  band,  this  very 
narrow  or  missing  in  others ;  fins  all  more  or  less  dusky ;  axil  black. 

Our  collection  contains  139  specimens  of  this  species,  ranging 
in  length  from  60  to  370  mm.  Besides  these  we  have  examined  nu- 
merous specimens  in  the  U.  S.  National  Museum  collection  from  other 
points  of  the  Central  American  coast.  It  is  a  most  unusually  vari- 
able species.  This  accounts  for  the  fact  that  it  has  by  some  writers 
been  separated  into  three  forms,  leuciscus,  nitidus  and  elongatus.  Our 
large  series,  however,  shows  that  the  three  forms  completely  inter- 
grade.  It  is  also  close  to  P.  axillaris,  which  is  not  known  from  Pana- 
ma, from  which  all  our  specimens,  however,  differ  in  the  notably 
shorter  pectoral  fins. 

Known  from  the  Pacific  coast  of  tropical  America,  from  Lower 
California  south  to  Capan,  Peru.  Our  specimens  are  from  Chame 
Point ;  Taboga  Island ;  Panama  Bay,  Balboa,  and  the  Panama  City 
market. 

401.  Pomadasys  macracanthus  (Giinther). 

Pristipoma  macracanthum  Gunther,   Proc.   Zool.   Soc.  London,    1864, 

146   (Chiapam,  Guatemala),  and  Trans.  Zool.   Soc.  London,  VI, 

1869,  416,  PI.  LXIV,  fig.  i. 
Pomadasis  macracanthus  Jordan  &  Fesler,  Kept.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm., 

XVII,  1889-91  (1893),  493;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat. 


APRIL  15,  1925.  FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    553 

Mus.,  XLVII,  1898,  1332;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci., 
IV,  1904,  no;  Regan,  Biol.  Cent.  Amer.,  Pise.,  1907,  42. 
Head  2.5  to  2.8;  depth  2.55  to  2.8;  D.  XII,  rarely  only  XI,  13; 
A.  Ill,  7  or  8;  scales  in  3^  to  4  rows  between  the  lateral  line  and 
middle  of  soft  dorsal,  43  to  50  in  a  longitudinal  series,  above  lateral 
line,  from  supraclavicle  serrae  to  base  of  caudal. 

Body  deep,  much  compressed;  the  back  much  elevated;  anterior 
profile  straight,  or  slightly  concave  over  eyes ;  head  long,  compressed ; 
snout  long  and  pointed,  its  length  2.2  to  2.9  in  head;  eye  3.6  to  5.6; 
mouth  terminal,  horizontal,  small ;  the  maxillary  not  reaching  anterior 
margin  of  eye,  3.1  to  3.5  in  head;  preopercle  and  supraclavicle  finely 
serrate  in  young,  becoming  smoother  with  age;  preorbital  smooth, 
narrower  than  eye  in  young,  but  much  wider  than  the  eye  in  adult; 
scales  large,  rather  weakly  ctenoid,  at  least  in  adult;  lateral  line 
arched,  concurrent  with  the  back ;  gill-rakers  short  and  weak  in  young, 
very  short  and  blunt  in  adult,  10  to  13  more  or  less  developed  on  the 
lower  limb  of  the  first  arch;  pseudobranchiae  present;  stomach  with 
6  long  pyloric  appendages,  these  about  half  the  total  length  of  the 
stomach ;  air  bladder  very  large,  with  2  lateral  appendages  anteriorly ; 
dorsal  spines  strong,  the  fourth  usually  the  longest,  i:6  to  2.7  in  head; 
soft  dorsal  short,  with  scaly  sheath  at  base,  and  with  a  row  of  small 
scales  on  the  membrane  between  the  rays ;  caudal  slightly  emarginate, 
mostly  covered  with  small  scales ;  anal  fin  with  a  sheath  of  scales  at 
base  and  with  small  scales  on  the  fin  between  the  rays;  the  second 
spine  much  enlarged,  reaching  past  tips  of  longest  anal  rays  when 
deflexed  in  young,  proportionately  shorter  in  adult  and  not  reaching 
tips  of  longest  rays  when  deflexed,  1.5  to  2.5  in  head;  ventrals  moder- 
ate, the  outer  ray  produced  in  a  short  filament,  scarcely  reaching  vent 
in  young,  proportionately  shorter  in  adult;  pectorals  very  long,  reach- 
ing past  tips  of  ventrals  to  vertical  from  vent,  1.15  to  1.3  in  head. 

Color  variable,  from  dark  brassy  brown  to  grayish  above,  brown- 
ish or  silvery  below;  back  and  sides  usually  with  about  4  dark  bars, 
these  sometimes  very  indistinct  or  wanting ;  sides  often  with  brownish 
or  dusky  punctulations ;  fins  mostly  pale  on  the  lighter  colored  speci- 
mens and  dark  brown  or  dusky  on  the  darker  colored  specimens. 

This  species  is  here  described  from  specimens  ranging  in  length 
from  110  to  324  mm.  Our  collection  contains  9  large  examples. 

Known  from  the  Pacific  coast  of  tropical  America  from  Mazat- 
lan  south  to  Ecuador.  Our  specimens  are  from  a  tide  stream  and 
from  Panama  Bay  at  Balboa. 


554    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

402.  Pomadasys  panamensis   (Steindachner). 

Pristipoma  panamcnse  Steindachner,  (Sitz.  k.  Ak.  Wiss.  Wien,  LXXII) 

Ichth.  Beitrage,  III,  1875,  8  (Panama). 
Pomadasis  panamensis  Jordan  &  Fesler,  Kept.   U.   S.   Fish   Comm., 

XVII,  1889-91  (1893),  494;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat. 

Mus.,  XLVII,  1898,  1331 ;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci., 

IV,  1904,  109. 

Head  2.65  to  2.8;  depth  2.5  to  2.7;  D.  XII,  12,  rarely  13;  A.  Ill, 
8;  scales  in  3^  or  4  rows  between  the  lateral  line  and  soft  dorsal,  46 
to  50  in  a  longitudinal  series,  above  the  lateral  line,  from  supraclavicle 
to  base  of  caudal. 

Body  rather  deep,  compressed;  anterior  profile  evenly  convex; 
dorsal  outline  only  slightly  more  curved  than  the  ventral ;  head  rather 
short,  robust;  the  snout  short  and  wide,  its  length  2.9  to  3.35  in  head; 
eye  3-3  t°  4-45  mouth  terminal,  large,  oblique,  the  gape  wide;  maxil- 
lary reaching  about  to  anterior  margin  of  pupil,  2.5  to  2.9  in  head; 
preopercle  finely  serrate,  the  serrae  becoming  shorter  with  age ;  supra- 
clavicle without  bony  serrae;  preorbital  entire,  somewhat  narrower 
than  eye  in  young,  but  notably  wider  than  eye  in  adult;  scales  large, 
ctenoid;  lateral  line  rather  low,  little  arched,  not  closely  concurrent 
with  the  back;  gill-rakers  moderate,  12  to  14  on  the  lower  limb  of 
the  anterior  arch;  pseudobranchise  large;  stomach  with  6  long  pyloric 
appendages;  air  bladder  large,  anteriorly  with  2  very  short  horns; 
dorsal  and  anal  with  a  very  low  and  indistinct  sheath  of  scales  at 
base;  dorsal  spines  weaker  than  in  the  other  species  of  this  genus, 
the  third  one  the  longest,  1.5  to  1.95  in  head;  soft  dorsal  rather  low, 
the  posterior  rays  not  much  shorter  than  the  anterior,  no  scales  on 
membrane  of  fin;  caudal  emarginate,  covered  with  small  scales,  at 
least  at  base;  anal  fin  without  scales,  the  second  spine  enlarged,  but 
not  as  much  so  as  in  other  species  of  this  genus,  not  reaching  tips  of 
longest  rays  when  deflexed,  1.9  to  2.3  in  head;  ventrals  moderate,  the 
outer  ray  produced  in  a  short  filament,  not  reaching  vent;  pectorals 
very  long,  reaching  past  vent  to  vertical  from  origin  of  anal,  1.05  to 
1.15  in  head. 

Color  grayish  above,  silvery  below ;  the  young  with  indistinct  black- 
ish bars,  one  of  these  often  appearing  as  a  blackish  blotch  between 
the  lateral  line  and  middle  of  spinous  dorsal  in  larger  individuals;  a 
distinct  black  spot  just  above  the  upper  posterior  angle  on  opercle; 
anterior  to  this  spot  is  a  greenish  area;  the  lower  fins  usually  pale; 
other  fins  with  more  or  less  dusky ;  soft  dorsal  and  upper  lobe  of  cau- 
dal with  a  black  margin. 


APRIL  15,  1925.  FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.   555 

Of  this  species  n  specimens,  130  to  220  mm.  in  length,  were  pre- 
served, and  upon  these  the  above  description  is  based. 

Known  from  Guaymas,  Mexico,  south  to  Panama.  Our  specimens 
are  from  Panama  Bay,  Balboa  and  the  Panama  City  market. 

403.  Pomadasys  branickii  (Steindachner). 

Pristipotna  branickii  Steindachner,  Denkschr.  k.  Ak.  Wiss.  Wien,  XLI, 

1879,  28,  PI.  IX,  fig.  i  (Tumbez,  Peru). 
Pomadasis  branicki  Jordan  &  Fesler,  Kept.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  XVII, 

1889-91  (1893),  493J  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

XLVII,  1898,  1333;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV, 

1904,  no;  Regan,  Biol.  Cent.  Amer.,  Pise.,  1907,  43. 

Head  2.8  to  3;  depth  2.8  to  3.2;  D.  XIII,  n  or  12;  A.  Ill,  7; 
scales  in  three  series  between  lateral  line  and  middle  of  soft  dorsal, 
47  to  50  in  a  longitudinal  series,  above  lateral  line,  from  supraclavicle 
serrse  to  base  of  caudal. 

Body  compressed ;  the  back  moderately  elevated ;  anterior  profile 
rather  steep,  straight  over  eyes ;  ventral  outline  from  snout  to  origin 
of  anal  but  slightly  curved;  head  compressed;  the  snout  rather  short 
and  blunt,  shorter  than  the  large  eye  in  young,  equal  to  or  longer 
than  eye  in  larger  specimens,  3  to  3.3  in  head;  eye  2.6  to  3.2;  mouth 
nearly  horizontal,  small ;  the  maxillary  reaching  about  vertical  from 
anterior  margin  of  orbit,  3.3  to  3.7  in  head;  preopercle  and  supra- 
clavicle serrate;  preorbital  entire,  rather  narrow,  not  more  than  half 
the  width  of  the  eye  in  the  young,  proportionately  wider  in  adult ; 
scales  ctenoid,  large  and  in  regular  series;  lateral  line  arched;  fol- 
lowing the  curve  of  the  back;  gill-rakers  short  and  feeble,  8  or  9,  ex- 
clusive of  rudiments,  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch;  pseudobranchiae  well 
developed ;  dorsal  spines  strong ;  moderately  elevated,  the  fourth  usu- 
ally the  longest,  1.5  to  2  in  head;  soft  dorsal  with  a  rather  distinct 
sheath  of  scales  at  base,  composed  of  one  row  of  scales,  no  scales  on 
membrane  of  fin,  the  rays  rather  low,  decreasing  in  length  posteriorly, 
outer  margin  of  fin  convex;  caudal  emarginate,  scaly  at  base;  anal 
with  a  scaly  sheath  at  base,  the  spines  moderate,  the  second  enlarged, 
much  longer  and  stronger  than  the  third,  variable,  reaching  to  or  past 
the  tips  of  the  longest  rays  when  deflexed,  1.15  to  1.75  in  head;  ven- 
trals  moderate,  outer  ray  produced  in  a  short  filament,  not  quite  reach- 
ing vent;  pectorals  long,  reaching  to  or  past  the  tips  of  ventrals,  1.2 
to  1.35  in  head. 

Color  bluish  black  above  with  silvery  reflections ;  sides  with  dusky 
punctulations ;  silvery  below;  our  small  specimens  with  indistinct 


556    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

longitudinal  streaks  and  blotches;  fins  all  more  or  less  dusky;  dor- 
sal and  caudal  with  a  black  margin;  soft  dorsal  with  an  indistinct 
blackish  bar  or  a  row  of  spots  at  base. 

Our  collection  contains  5  small  specimens,  ranging  from  70  to 
90  mm.  in  length.  We  also  examined  7  specimens,  140  to  155  mm. 
long,  from  Mazatlan,  Mexico.  Upon  these  two  lots  the  above  description 
is  based.  This  species  differs  notably  from  P.  bay  anus  in  the  larger 
eye,  larger  scales  and  in  the  much  longer  pectoral. 

Known  from  the  Pacific  coast  of  tropical  America  from  Mazat- 
lan, Mexico,  south  to  Tumbez,  Peru.  Our  specimens  are  from  Chame 
Point  and  Taboga  Island. 

404.  Pomadasys  approximans  Bean  &  Dresel. 

Pomadasys  approximans  Bean  &  Dresel,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1885, 

1 60  (Jamaica). 
Pomadasis  crocro  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII, 

1898,  1333  (in  part). 

Head  2.7  to  2.95;  depth  2.8  to  2.85;  D.  XIII,  n  or  12;  A.  Ill,  7; 
scales  4  between  lateral  line  and  middle  of  soft  dorsal,  exclusive  of 
small  scales  on  base  of  fin,  51  to  52  in  a  longitudinal  series,  above  the 
lateral  line,  from  supraclavicle  serrae  to  base  of  caudal. 

Body  deep,  the  depth  about  equal  to  length  of  head;  the  back 
notably  elevated ;  anterior  profile  nearly  straight,  rather  steep ;  ven- 
tral outline  from  tip  of  lower  jaw  to  origin  of  anal  nearly  straight; 
snout  moderate,  its  length  3  to  3.6  in  head;  eye  2.8  to  3.2;  mouth 
horizontal,  rather  small;  the  maxillary  reaching  to  about  vertical  from 
anterior  margin  of  eye,  3  to  3.2  in  head ;  preopercle  and  supraclavicle 
serrate;  preorbital  entire,  notably  narrower  than  the  very  large  eye; 
scales  ctenoid,  in  regular  series,  larger  than  in  related  species ;  lateral 
line  arched,  following  the  curvature  of  dorsal  outline ;  gill-rakers  very 
short  and  feeble,  8  or  9,  exclusive  of  rudiments,  on  lower  limb  of  an- 
terior arch ;  pseudobranchiae  well  developed ;  dorsal  spines  moder- 
ately elevated,  the  fourth  the  longest,  1.8  in  head;  soft  portion  of 
dorsal  with  about  2  rows  of  small  scales  at  base,  but  without  a  dis- 
tinct sheath,  no  scales  on  the  membrane  of  the  fin,  the  rays  rather 
low,  decreasing  in  length  posteriorly,  outer  margin  of  fin  convex ; 
caudal  emarginate,  scaly  at  base ;  anal  with  a  distinct  sheath  of  scales 
at  base,  the  spines  strong,  the  second  much  enlarged,  reaching  to  or 
past  the  tips  of  the  longest  soft  rays  when  deflexed,  1.45  to  1.5  in 
head ;  ventrals  moderate,  the  outer  ray  with  a  short  filament,  reach- 


APRIL  15,  1925.  FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.   557 

ing  vent  in  very  young,  shorter  in  adult;  pectorals  long,  reaching  to 
or  slightly  past  the  tips  of  ventrals,  i  .2  to  1 .4  in  head. 

Color  olivaceous  above,  silvery  below;  our  small  specimen  with 
three  rather  distinct  longitudinal  streaks,  one  above  and  two  below 
the  lateral  line.  Besides  these  it  has  several  black  blotches  on  side, 
and  a  blackish  bar  at  base  of  caudal ;  fins  all  more  or  less  dusky. 

This  species  is  here  redescribed  from  the  type  specimen,  180  mm. 
long,  from  Jamaica,  and  from  2  very  small  specimens,  each  about  60 
mm.  long,  from  Porto  Bello,  which  are  the  only  specimens  of  this 
species  taken  by  us  in  Panama.  This  species  differs  from  P.  crocro, 
with  which  it  has  been  confused,  in  the  deeper  body,  in  the  much 
larger  eye,  smaller  mouth,  longer  pectoral  fins,  and  in  the  somewhat 
larger  scales.  Its  nearest  relative  is  P.  branickii  from  the  Pacific  coast, 
from  which  it  can  scarcely  be  separated.  It,  however,  seems  to  differ 
somewhat  in  the  slightly  deeper  body,  with  a  more  strongly  elevated 
back,  and  in  the  somewhat  more  numerous  scales. 

Known  only  from  the  specimens  here  described,  the  type  from 
Jamaica,  and  our  2  small  specimens  from  Porto  Bello,  Panama. 

405.  Pomadasys  bayanus  Jordan  &  Evermann. 

Pristipoma  humile  Kner  &  Steindachner,  Sitz.  k.  Ak.  Wiss.  Munch.,  II, 

1863,  221    (Rio   Bayano,   Panama;  not  Pristipoma  humilis  Bow- 

dich,  Fishes  of  Madeira,  1825,  236)  ;  Steindachner,  Denkschr.  k.  Ak. 

Wiss.  Wien,  XLI,  1879,  33- 
Pomadasis  humilis  Jordan  &  Fesler,  Kept.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  XVII, 

1889-91   (1893),  492. 
Pomadasis   bayanus  Jordan   &   Evermann,   Bull.    U.    S.    Nat.    Mus., 

XLVII,  1898,  1331 ;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV, 

1904,  109;  Regan,  Biol.  Cent.  Amer.,  Pise.,  1907,  43. 
Pristipoma  labraciforme   Boulenger,   Boll.   Mus.   Zool.   Anat.   Torino, 

XIV,  No.  335,  1899,  3  (Sta.  Elena  Bay,  Ecuador). 

Head  2.65  to  3.3;  depth  3.15  to  3.9;  D.  XIII,  12;  A.  Ill,  7;  scales 
6  or  6^2  between  lateral  line  and  middle  of  rayed  portion  of  dorsal, 
60  to  70  in  longitudinal  series,  above  lateral  line,  from  supraclavicle 
serrae  to  base  of  caudal. 

Body  elongate,  moderately  compressed;  the  back  elevated;  an- 
terior profile  straight  over  eyes  in  young,  slightly  concave  in  adult; 
head  rather  long;  snout  blunt,  its  length  2.4  to  3.2  in  head;  eye  3.5 
to  5.4;  mouth  rather  large,  nearly  horizontal,  lower  jaw  included: 
the  maxillary  reaching  about  to  anterior  margin  of  pupil,  2.2  to  2.7 
in  head;  preopercle  and  supraclavicle  serrate;  preorbital  entire,  as 


558    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

wide  as  eye  in  adult,  narrower  in  young;  scales  rather  small,  ctenoid, 
in  irregular  series,  making  them  difficult  to  enumerate;  lateral  line 
arched,  closely  following  the  curvature  of  the  dorsal  outline;  gill- 
rakers  short  and  blunt,  7  to  9,  exclusive  of  rudiments,  on  lower  limb 
of  anterior  arch ;  pseudobranchiae  well  developed ;  stomach  with  7  long 
slender  pyloric  appendages ;  air  bladder  large,  without  appendages ; 
dorsal  spines  strong,  rather  low,  the  fourth  usually  the  longest,  2  to 
3  in  head ;  soft  portion  without  a  distinct  sheath  of  scales  at  base,  no 
scales  on  membrane  of  fin,  the  anterior  rays  moderately  elevated,  de- 
creasing in  length  posteriorly;  caudal  fin  emarginate,  scaly  at  base; 
anal  fin  with  a  more  or  less  distinct  sheath  of  scales  at  base ;  the 
spines  very  strong,  the  second  much  enlarged,  much  stronger  than 
the  third,  also  longer,  varying  greatly  with  age,  reaching  past  the 
tips  of  longest  soft  rays  and  to  or  almost  to  base  of  caudal  when  de- 
flexed  in  young,  not  reaching  the  tips  of  soft  rays  and  not  nearly  to 
base  of  caudal  in  adult,  1.4  to  2.6  in  head;  ventrals  rather  short,  outer 
ray  with  a  short  filament,  not  reaching  vent  except  in  very  young; 
pectorals  very  short,  not  reaching  tips  of  ventrals,  1.5  to  1.9  in  head. 

Color  dark  olivaceous  above,  silvery  below;  the  young  with  more 
or  less  indistinct  wavy  streaks  along  sides ;  fins  all  more  or  less  dusky ; 
dorsal  with  a  narrow  black  margin. 

This  species  is  here  described  from  26  specimens,  ranging  from 
no  to  360  mm.  in  length.  It  is  very  close  to  P.  crocro,  from  the  At- 
lantic, from  which  it  differs  somewhat  in  having  smaller  and  more 
irregular  series  of  scales.  In  a  series  of  15  there  are  6  or  6r/2  scales 
between  the  lateral  line  and  the  middle  of  soft  dorsal  (not  including 
small  scales  on  base  of  fin)  and  in  the  longitudinal  series  from  supra- 
clavicle  serrse  to  base  of  caudal  there  are  from  60  to  70,  with  an  aver- 
age of  65  scales  to  a  series.  P.  crocro  has  5  or  5^  scales  between 
the  lateral  line  and  the  middle  of  the  soft  dorsal,  and  57  to  63  in  the 
longitudinal  series,  with  an  average  of  59.6  scales  to  a  series.  The 
Pacific  coast  species  also  has  a  slightly  larger  mouth,  and  a  somewhat 
more  slender  body;  the  average  depth  in  length  of  a  series  of  15  speci- 
mens is  3.46.  The  average  depth  in  length  of  a  series  of  15  speci- 
mens of  about  equal  size  of  P.  crocro  is  3.28. 

Known  from  Lower  California  south  to  Ecuador.  Our  speci- 
mens are  all  from  fresh  water,  viz. :  Rio  Chame,  Chame ;  Rio  Chor- 
rera,  small  creek,  Chorrera ;  Rio  Grande,  Corozal ;  Rio  Marte  Arnade, 
Rio  Juan  Diaz,  Juan  Diaz ;  Rio  Mamone,  El  Capitan,  and  Rio  Mamone, 
Chepo. 


APRIL  15,  1925.  FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    559 

406.  Pomadasys  crocro  (Cuvier  &  Valenciennes). 

Pristipoma  crocro  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  V,  1830, 

264  (Martinique). 

Pristipoma  cultriferum  Poey,  Memorias,  II,  1860,  185  (Havana). 
Pristipoma  ratnosum  Poey,  Memorias,  II,  1860,  186  (Havana). 
Pristiponia  productunt  Poey,  Memorias,  II,  1860,  186  (Havana). 
Pristipoma  boucardi  Steindachner,    (Sitz.  k.  Ak.   Wiss.  Wien,  LX) 

Ichth.  Notizen,  VIII,  1869,  i,  PI.  I  (Gulf  of  Mexico). 
Pomadasis  crocro  Jordan  &  Fesler,  Rept.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  XVII, 

1889-91   (1893),  493;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat  Mus., 

XLVII,  1898,  1333;  Regan,  Biol.  Cent.  Amer.,  Pise.,  1907,  44. 
Pomadasis  ramosus  Jordan  &  Fesler,  Rept.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  XVII, 

1889-91  (1893),    494;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

XLVII,  1898,  1334;  Fowler,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1916,  402 

(Colon). 
Pomadasis  productus  Jordan  &  Fesler,  Rept.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  XVII, 

1889-91  (1893),  493;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

XLVII,  1898,  1332. 
Pomadasys  starri  Meek,  Field  Col.  Mus.  Pub.,  Zool.  Ser.,  V,  1904,  200, 

PI.  XIII  (Perez,  Mexico). 
Pomadasys  templet  Meek,  Field  Col.  Mus.  Pub.,  Zool.  Ser.,  V,  1904, 

201,  PI.  XIV  (Valles,  San  Luis  Potosi,  Mexico). 
Pomadasis  boucardi  Regan,  Biol.  Cent.  Amer.,  Pise.,  1907,  43. 
Pomadasis  grandis  Meek,  Field  Col.  Mus.  Pub.,  Zool.  Ser.,  VII,  1907, 

116  (Lake  Nicaragua). 

Head  2.95  to  3.2;  depth  3.1  to  3.5;  D.  XIII,  u  to  13;  A.  Ill,  7; 
scales  in  5  or  5^  series  between  the  lateral  line  and  middle  of  soft 
dorsal,  57  to  63  in  a  longitudinal  series,  above  lateral  line,  from  su- 
praclavicle  serrae  to  base  of  caudal. 

Body  elongate,  compressed;  the  back  moderately  elevated;  an- 
terior profile  straight  over  eyes  in  young,  slightly  convex  in  adult; 
head  rather  long;  snout  blunt,  its  length  2.65  to  3.15  in  head;  eye  3.3 
to  5.5 ;  mouth  moderate,  horizontal,  lower  jaw  included ;  the  maxil- 
lary reaching  to  or  slightly  past  anterior  margin  of  eye,  2.5  to  2.8 
in  head;  preopercle  and  supraclavicle  serrate;  preorbital  entire,  as 
wide  as  eye  in  adult,  but  notably  narrower  in  young;  scales  moderate, 
ctenoid,  in  more  regular  series  and  easier  to  enumerate  than  in  P. 
bayanus;  lateral  line  arched,  following  the  curvature  of  the  dorsal 
outline;  gill-rakers  short  and  blunt,  7  to  9,  exclusive  of  rudiments, 
on  lower  limb  of  anterior  arch;  pseudobranchiae  well  developed; 
stomach  with  six  pyloric  appendages;  air  bladder  large,  without 


560    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

appendages ;  dorsal  spines  strong,  rather  low,  the  fourth  usually  the 
longest,  1.8  to  2.25  in  head;  soft  portion  of  dorsal  without  a  distinct 
sheath  of  scales  at  base,  no  scales  on  membrane  of  fin,  outer  margin 
of  soft  dorsal  straight ;  caudal  emarginate,  basal  two-thirds  of  fin  more 
or  less  scaly;  anal  fin  with  a  rather  distinct  sheath  of  scales  at  base, 
the  spines  very  strong,  the  second  much  enlarged,  much  longer  and 
stronger  than  the  third,  varying  greatly  with  age  and  among 
individuals,  reaching  to  or  past  the  tips  of  the  longest  soft  rays  and 
often  nearly  to  base  of  caudal  when  deflexed  in  specimens  ranging 
from  about  75  to  175  mm.  in  length,  not  reaching  tips  of  longest  soft 
rays  and  not  nearly  to  base  of  caudal  in  the  adult  and  in  very  young 
individuals,  1.25  to  1.8  in  head;  ventral  fins  rather  short,  outer  ray 
with  a  short  filament,  not  reaching  vent,  except  in  very  young;  pec- 
torals short,  not  reaching  tips  of  ventrals,  1.5  to  1.7  in  head. 

Color  dark  olivaceous  above,  silvery  below ;  sides  often  with  dusky 
punctulations ;  the  young  often  with  indistinct  longitudinal  streaks, 
which  become  fainter  and  disappear  with  age;  fins  all  more  or  less 
dusky;  soft  dorsal  with  a  narrow  black  margin. 

Of  this  species  87  specimens,  ranging  in  length  from  60  to  325  mm., 
were  preserved  and  form  the  basis  for  the  above  description.  We 
have  also  examined  numerous  specimens  from  the  West  Indies  (some 
of  these  were  of  Poey's  own  identification)  and  from  the  Central 
American  coast,  and  have  found  that  due  to  an  inadequate  amount 
of  material  several  species  were  described  which  represent  mere  varia- 
tions within  this  species.  We  have,  therefore,  included  several  of  these 
described  forms. 

Known  from  the  Atlantic  coast  of  tropical  America,  from  the 
West  Indies  south  to  Brazil ;  ascending  rivers.  Several  of  our  speci- 
mens were  taken  in  the  Upper  Chagres  and  the  Boqueron,  more  than 
100  miles,  following  the  course  of  the  rivers,  from  the  sea,  and  above 
many  rapids.  Our  specimens  are  from  Toro  Point;  Rio  Chagres  at 
Gatun;  Gorgona  and  Alhajuela;  Upper  Chagres;  Rio  Boqueron; 
Upper  Trinidad;  Mindi  Cut,  Creek  at  Mindi;  Porto  Bello,  and  Rio 
Cascajal  near  Porto  Bello. 

154.  Genus  Anisotremus  Gill. 

Anisotremus  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1861,  32,  105  (type  Pristi- 
poma  rodo  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes=57>anf.y  virginicus  Linnaeus). 

Genytremus  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1862,  256  (type  Pristi- 

poma  bilineatum  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes). 


APRIL  15,  1925.  FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.   561 

Body  rather  deep,  compressed;  the  back  elevated;  head  moderate; 
snout  rather  short;  mouth  small,  placed  low,  usually  nearly  hori- 
zontal ;  lips  thick ;  maxillary  rarely  reaching  much  beyond  anterior 
margin  of  eye;  teeth  in  the  jaws  in  bands,  conical  or  pointed,  the 
outer  series  usually  somewhat  enlarged;  chin  with  a  median  groove 
besides  small  pores;  scales  large,  ctenoid;  dorsal  spines  long,-  not 
graduated,  the  third  or  fourth  spine  longest;  anal  spines  strong,  the 
second  enlarged;  soft  dorsal  and  anal  with  many  small  scales  on 
interradial  membranes;  caudal  fin  mostly  covered  with  scales,  forked 
or  at  least  broadly  concave ;  inside  of  mouth  not  red. 

KEY  TO   THE    SPECIES. 

a.  Longitudinal  rows  of  scales  above  lateral  line  parallel  with  it. 

b.  Pectoral  fins  long,  reaching  to  or  beyond  origin  of  anal,  2.9 
in  body ;  body  with  a  single  indistinct  dark  bar  extending  from 
nape  to  base  of  ventrals.  casius.,  p.  562. 

bb.  Pectoral  fins  shorter,  failing  to  reach  opposite  origin  of  anal; 
sides  with  about  5  dark  cross-bars. 

c.  Caudal  fin  rather  deeply  forked;  soft  fins  with  many  small 
scales;  outline  of  soft  dorsal  nearly  straight;  8  or  9  rows  of 
scales  between  the  lateral  line  and  base  of  first  dorsal  spine. 

dovii,  p.  563. 

cc.  Caudal  fin  scarcely  forked ;  soft  fins  with  rather  few  scales ; 
outline  of  soft  dorsal  convex;  6l/2  rows  of  scales  between  the 
lateral  line  and  base  of  first  dorsal  spine.  pacifici,  p.  564. 

aa.  Longitudinal  rows  of  scales  above  lateral  line  not  parallel 
with  it. 

d.  Scales   anteriorly  above  lateral   line  not  especially  enlarged; 
sides  with  pale  longitudinal  stripes;  a  prominent  caudal  spot 
present  at  all  ages.  bicolor,  p.  565. 

dd.  Scales  anteriorly  above  lateral  line  notably  enlarged;  sides 
plain  in  adult;  young  with  2  black  stripes  and  a  caudal  spot, 
disappearing  with  age. 

e.  Scales  above  lateral  line  in  4  to  7  rows ;  color  dark  brown, 
each  scale  on  sides  and  back  with  a  dark  base. 

f.  Scales  anteriorly  above  lateral  line  moderately  enlarged,  6  or  7 
rows  between  the  lateral  line  and  the  base  of  first  dorsal  spine ; 
outline  of  the  soft  dorsal  concave ;  color  rather  dark  brown, 
the  dark  bases  of  the  scales  moderately  distinct. 

surinamensis,  p.  566. 


562    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

ff.  Scales  anteriorly  above  lateral  line  greatly  enlarged,  4  or  5 
rows  between  the  lateral  line  and  the  base  of  the  first  dorsal 
spine;  outline  of  soft  dorsal  straight  or  convex;  color  pale 
brown,  the  dark  bases  on  the  scales  large  and  very  prominent. 

interruptus,  p.  567. 

ee.  Scales  above  lateral  line  smaller,  in  10  or  n  rows;  color 
greenish  yellow  or  golden  yellow,  back  and  sides  with  yellowish 
or  bronze  longitudinal  stripes,  the  scales  without  dark  bases. 

g.  Anterior  profile  very  steep,  gently  convex  from  snout  to  nape, 
from  thence  to  dorsal  strongly  convex ;  interradial  membranes 
of  the  vertical  fins  densely  scaled;  color  greenish  brown,  the 
back  and  sides  with  alternating  bluish  and  bronze  stripes. 

virginicus,  p.  568. 

gg.  Anterior  profile  moderately  steep,  gently  convex  over  eyes 
and  snout,  strongly  convex  at  nape;  the  interradial  membranes 
of  the  vertical  fins  less  densely  scaled ;  color  golden  yellow, 
sides  with  blue  streaks  edged  with  black.  taniatus,  p.  570. 

407.  Anisotremus  caesius  (Jordan  &  Gilbert). 

Pomadasys  c&sius  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1881,  383 

(Mazatlan). 

Anisotremus  ccesius  Jordan  &  Fesler,  Rept.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  XVII, 
1889-91  (1893),  484  (Mazatlan;  Acapulco)  ;  Jordan  &  Evermann, 
Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1898,  1316;  Gilbert  &  Starks, 
Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  107  (Panama  Bay). 
Head  3.  to  3.15;  depth  2.05  to  2.2;  D.  XII,  15  or  16;  A.  Ill,  9  or 
10;  scales  50  to  54. 

Body  rather  deep,  compressed ;  anterior  profile  quite  steep,  gently 
convex  over  snout,  nearly  straight  over  eyes,  strongly  convex  at  nape; 
head  moderate;  snout  short,  its  length  2.8  to  3  in  head;  eye  2.95  to 
3.65;  mouth  small,  terminal,  slightly  oblique;  maxillary  reaching  to 
or  slightly  past  anterior  margin  of  eye,  2.9  to  3.2  in  head ;  teeth  all 
small,  in  villiform  bands,  the  outer  ones  not  noticeably  enlarged; 
preopercle  finely  serrate;  gill-rakers  -short,  13  more  or  less  developed 
on  lower  limb  of  first  arch;  scales  moderate,  ctenoid,  not  enlarged 
anteriorly  above  lateral  line,  the  series  parallel  with  it,  7  rows  between 
the  lateral  line  and  origin  of  dorsal;  15  or  16  rows  between  the  lateral 
line  and  origin  of  anal;  dorsal  fin  long,  the  spines  strong,  the  fourth 
the  longest,  slightly  exceeding  the  length  of  the  snout  and  half  the 
eye,  the  soft  part  low,  highest  anteriorly;  small  scales  present  on 
interradial  membranes;  caudal  fin  forked,  the  upper  lobe  the  longer, 


APRIL  15,  1925.  FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    563 

pointed,  the  lower  lobe  without  acute  angle  at  outer  rays,  the  fin 
mostly  covered  with  small  scales;  anal  fin  with  3  spines,  the  second 
enlarged,  reaching  tips  of  soft  rays  when  deflexed,  equal  to  or  slightly 
longer  than  the  longest  dorsal  ray,  the  soft  portion  of  the  anal  short, 
the  anterior  rays  the  longest;  ventral  fins  moderate,  notably  shorter 
than  pectorals,  inserted  about  equidistant  from  tip  of  the  lower  jaw 
and  origin  of  anal;  pectoral  fins  long,  reaching  to  or  beyond  origin 
of  anal,  2.9  in  body. 

Color  dark  grayish  brown,  with  more  or  less  silvery  on  the  lower 
parts;  each  scale  with  a  brownish  margin;  upper  parts  of  head  and 
snout  dark;  margin  of  opercle  dusky;  an  indistinct  dark  bar  from 
nape  to  base  of  ventral ;  fins  mostly  dusky,  the  ventrals  nearly  black. 

Only  2  specimens  of  this  species  were  obtained,  measuring  re- 
spectively 183  and  233  mm.  in  length.  It  was,  therefore,  not  found 
abundant  as  reported  by  Gilbert  &  Starks. 

Known  from  Mazatlan  to  Panama.  Our  specimens  were  pur- 
chased in  the  Panama  City  market. 

408.  Anisotremus  dovii  (Giinther).     (Plate  LVI.) 

Pristipoma  dovii  Giinther,  Proc.  Zool.  Soc.  London,  1864,  23,  PI.  Ill, 

fig.  i  (Panama)  ;  Boulenger,  Boll.  Mus.  Zool.  Anat.  Torino,  XIV, 

No.  346,  1899,  2  (Panama  Bay). 

Pomadasys  dovii  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat  Mus.,  1881,  386. 
Anisotremus  dovii  Jordan  &  Fesler,  Rept.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  XVII, 

1889-91  (1893),  484;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

XLVII,  1898,  1317;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV, 

1904,  107  (Panama  Bay). 

Head  2.9  to  3;  depth  2  to  2.2;  D.  XI,  13  to  15;  A.  Ill,  9  or  10; 
scales  47  to  51. 

Body  deep,  compressed ;  anterior  profile  rather  steep,  nearly  straight 
over  the  head,  strongly  convex  in  front  of  dorsal;  head  moderate; 
snout  short,  2.9  to  3.4  in  head;  eye  3  to  3.4;  mouth  small,  terminal, 
low,  slightly  oblique;  maxillary  scarcely  reaching  anterior  margin  of 
eye,  3  to  3.4  in  head ;  teeth  in  the  jaws  in  bands,  conical,  the  outer  ones 
slightly  enlarged;  preopercle  finely  serrate;  gill-rakers  short,  12  to  14 
on  the  lower  limb  of  the  first  arch;  scales  strongly  ctenoid,  reduced 
on  head,  the  series  above  lateral  line  parallel  with  it,  8  or  9  rows  of 
scales  between  the  lateral  line  and  the  origin  of  the  dorsal,  12  or  13 
rows  between  the  lateral  line  and  the  origin  of  the  anal ;  dorsal  fin  long, 
the  spines  very  strong,  the  third  or  fourth  the  longest,  slightly 
exceeding  the  length  of  eye  and  snout,  the  soft  part  highest  anteriorly, 


§64    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

the  interradial  membranes  densely  scaled;  caudal  fin  forked,  the  upper 
lobe  the  longer,  fin  covered  with  small  scales;  anal  fin  with  3 
spines,  the  second  enlarged,  reaching  nearly  or  quite  to  tips  of  soft 
rays  when  deflexed,  of  about  the  same  length  as  the  longest  dorsal 
spine,  the  soft  portion  short,  scaly,  highest  anteriorly;  ventral  fins 
moderate,  the  outer  rays  slightly  filamentous,  inserted  slightly  nearer 
origin  of  anal  than  tip  of  lower  jaw;  pectoral  fins  moderate,  shorter 
than  head,  failing  to  reach  opposite  origin  of  anal,  3.5  to  3.75  in  body. 

Color  brownish  above,  sides  silvery  with  bluish  reflections;  5  black 
cross-bars  present,  one  passing  through  eye,  one  from  nape  to  chest, 
another  under  middle  of  spinous  dorsal,  the  fourth  under  anterior  part 
of  soft  dorsal,  the  fifth  on  caudal  peduncle;  spinous  dorsal  green,  the 
other  fins  pale  with  little  blue;  iris  yellow. 

The  present  collection  contains  17  specimens,  ranging  in  length  from 
40  to  400  mm.  This  species  is  frequently  seen  in  the  market  and  is 
of  value  as  food. 

Known  from  Mazatlan  to  Panama.  Our  specimens  are  from  Chame 
Point,  Balboa  and  Panama  City. 

409.  Anisotremus  pacifici   (Gunther).     (Plate  LVII.) 

Conodon    pacifici    Gunther,    Proc.    Zool.    Soc.    London,    1864,    147 

(Chiapam,  Guatemala). 
Pomadasys  pacifici  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1881,  385 

(Panama). 
Anisotremus  pacifici  Jordan  &  Fesler,  Rept.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  XVII, 

1889-91  (1893),  484;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

XLVII,  1898,  1316;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV, 

1904,  1 06  (Panama  Bay). 

Head  3.1  to  3.3;  depth  2  to  2.4;  D.  XI,  14;  A.  Ill,  9  or  10;  scales 

45  to  47- 

Body  deep,  compressed ;  anterior  profile  convex  over  snout,  straight 
over  eyes,  strongly  convex  at  nape;  head  moderate;  snout  blunt,  3.4 
to  3.9  in  head;  eye  3.2  to  3.7;  mouth  rather  small,  low,  terminal, 
slightly  oblique;  maxillary  reaching  past  anterior  margin  of  eye,  or 
nearly  to  middle  of  eye  in  adult,  3  to  3.35  in  head ;  teeth  in  the  jaws 
in  bands,  conical  or  pointed,  the  outer  ones  enlarged ;  preopercle  serrate ; 
gill-rakers  short,  n  to  13  more  or  less  developed  on  the  lower  limb  of 
the  first  arch;  scales  strongly  ctenoid,  reduced  on  head,  not  enlarged 
above  lateral  line,  the  series  parallel  with  it,  6j^  rows  between  the 
lateral  line  and  origin  of  dorsal,  13  or  14  between  the  lateral  line  and 
origin  of  anal;  dorsal  fin  long,  the  spines  high  and  strong,  the  fourth 


'    E 
o    S 


S    E 

II 


APRIL  15,  1925.  FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    565 

the  longest,  equal  to  or  exceeding  length  of  eye  and  snout,  the  soft 
part  highest  in  the  middle,  the  interradial  membranes  with  a  row  of 
small  scales  on  lower  half  of  fin;  caudal  fin  with  concave  margin, 
scarcely  forked,  the  upper  rays  the  longest,  most  of  the  fin  with 
small  scales;  anal  fin  with  3  spines,  the  second  enlarged,  failing 
to  reach  the  tips  of  the  soft  rays  when  deflexed,  a  little  longer  than 
the  longest  dorsal  spine,  the  soft  portion  short,  highest  anteriorly, 
scales  present  only  on  lower  part  of  interradial  membranes ;  ventral  fins 
moderate,  the  outer  rays  with  a  short  filament,  inserted  slightly  nearer 
origin  of  anal  than  tip  of  lower  jaw;  pectoral  fins  shorter  than  head, 
failing  notably  to  reach  opposite  origin  of  anal,  3.8  to  4.3  in  body. 

Color  dark  grayish;  scales  on  sides  with  a  bluish  luster;  5  dark 
bands  present,  similar  in  position  to  those  of  A.  dovii,  these  often  very 
obscure,  or  the  posterior  ones  wanting  in  dark  colored  specimens ;  lower 
parts  with  dusky  points;  pectorals  and  caudal  pale  or  dusky,  the  other 
fins  dark  brown  or  black. 

The  present  collection  contains  12  specimens  of  this  species,  ranging 
in  length  from  140  to  205  mm.  It  is  occasionally  seen  in  the  market 
and  is  of  some  value  as  food.  It  is  closely  related  to  A.  dovii,  from 
which  it  may,  however,  be  distinguished  by  the  slightly  larger  scales, 
there  being  only  6l/2  rows  between  the  lateral  line  and  the  origin  of 
the  dorsal  in  the  present  species  and  8  or  9  in  A.  dovii.  The  caudal 
fin  in  A.  pad  fid  is  less  deeply  concave,  there  are  fewer  scales  on  the 
vertical  fins,  the  snout  is  slightly  shorter,  the  maxillary  longer,  and  the 
color  is  notably  darker. 

Known  from  Chiapam  to  Guayaquil.  Our  specimens  are  from 
Chame  Point,  Corozal,  Balboa  and  Panama  City. 

410.  Anisotremus  bicolor  (Castelnau). 

Pristipoma  bicolor  Castelnau,  Anim.  Nouv.  Rares  Amer.  Sud,  1855, 

8,  PI.  II,  fig.  2  (Bahia,  Brazil). 
Pristipoma  brasiliense   Steindachner,   Verh.  Zool.  —  Bot.  Ges.   Wien, 

XIII,  1863,  1013  (Bahia). 
Anisotremus  bicolor  Jordan,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1890,  319;  Jordan 

&  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1898,  1319. 

Head  2.85  to  3.05;  depth  1.96  to  2.2;  D.  XII  (rarely  XIII),  15 
to  17 ;  A.  Ill,  8  or  9 ;  scales  47  to  54. 

Body  rather  deep,  compressed;  anterior  profile  convex  over  snout 
and  at  nape,  nearly  straight  over  eyes;  head  moderate;  snout  rather 
blunt,  its  length  2.85  to  3.3  in  head ;  eye  3  to  3.4;  mouth  small,  terminal, 
slightly  oblique ;  maxillary  reaching  to  or  slightly  past  anterior  margin 


566    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

of  eye,  3  to  3.45  in  head;  teeth  in  the  jaws  in  villiform  bands,  the 
outer  ones  slightly  enlarged ;  preopercle  finely  serrate ;  gill-rakers  short, 
13  to  15  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch;  scales  moderate,  not  enlarged 
above  lateral  line,  and  the  series  not  parallel  with  it,  7  series  between 
lateral  line  and  origin  of  dorsal,  12  or  13  series  between  lateral  line 
and  origin  of  anal ;  the  soft  fins  all  more  or  less  scaly ;  dorsal  fin  long, 
the  spines  strong,  the  fourth  the  longest,  not  quite  equal  to  length  of 
eye  and  snout,  the  anterior  rays  of  the  soft  dorsal  higher  than  the 
posterior  ones ;  caudal  fin  moderately  forked,  the  lobes  scarcely  pointed ; 
anal  fin  with  3  spines,  the  second  one  enlarged,  equal  in  length  to  longest 
dorsal  spine,  but  notably  stronger,  the  soft  portion  similar  in  shape  to 
that  of  the  dorsal;  ventral  fins  moderate,  a  little  shorter  than  the 
pectorals,  inserted  a  little  nearer  origin  of  the  anal  than  tip  of  lower 
jaw;  pectoral  fins  slightly  falcate,  shorter  than  head,  3.2  to  3.5  in  body. 

Color  in  alcohol  dark  brown;  sides  with  6  or  7  narrow  pale 
longitudinal  stripes;  opercular  flap  black;  a  more  or  less  distinct  pale 
stripe  below  eye ;  a  very  distinct  black  ocellated  spot  at  base  of  caudal ; 
dorsal,  caudal  and  anal  brownish,  the  membranes  behind  the  spines 
blackish ;  ventrals  black ;  pectorals  plain  translucent. 

The  Panama  collection  contains  14  specimens  of  this  species,  ranging 
in  length  from  95  to  145  mm.  We  have  at  hand  a  specimen,  180  mm. 
long,  from  Bahia,  Brazil,  for  comparison.  This  specimen  agrees 
perfectly  with  our  Panama  material,  except  in  color,  the  pale  stripes 
being  broader  in  the  Bahia  specimen.  Our  specimens  were  all  taken 
on  coral  reefs. 

This  fish  heretofore  has  been  known  only  from  the  coast  of  Brazil. 
Our  specimens  are  from  Toro  Point  and  Colon. 

411.  Anisotremus  surinamensis  (Bloch).     (Plate  LVIII.) 
Lutianus  surinamensis  Bloch,  Naturg.  Ausl.  Fische,  V,  1791,  3,  PI. 

CCLIII   (Surinam). 
Holocentrus   gibbosus  Lacepede,    Hist.    Nat.    Poiss.,    IV,    1803,    344 

(Surinam;  after  Bloch). 
Pristipoma  bilineatum  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.   Nat.  Poiss.,  V, 

1830,  271  (Martinique). 
Pristipoma  melanopterum  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  V, 

1830,  273  (Brazil). 

Hcemulon  obtusum  Poey,  Memorias,  II,  1860,  182  (Havana). 
Hamulon  labridum  Poey,  Memorias,  II,  1861,  419  (Cuba). 
Anisotremus  bilineatus  Jordan,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1890,  320. 


APRIL  15,  1925.  FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.   567 

Anisotremus  surinamensis  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

XLVII,  1898,  1318,  PI.  CCVIII,  fig.  537. 
^Anisotremus  surinamensis  Snodgrass  &  Heller,  Proc.  Wash.  Ac.  Sci., 

VI,  1904  (1905),  376  (Galapagos  Islands). 

Head  2.7  to  3.05 ;  depth  2.1  to  2.3;  D.  XII  (rarely  XIII),  16  to  18; 
A.  Ill,  9  or  10 ;  scales  45  to  53. 

Body  rather  deep,  compressed;  anterior  profile  moderately  steep, 
nearly  evenly  convex;  head  moderate;  snout  rather  long  and  pointed, 
24  to  4  in  head ;  eye  3  to  5 ;  mouth  rather  small,  low,  terminal,  nearly 
horizontal ;  maxillary  reaching  to  or  past  vertical  from  anterior  margin 
of  eye,  2.4  to  3.2  in  head ;  teeth  short,  conical,  in  bands,  the  outer 
series  slightly  enlarged ;  preopercular  margin  slightly  serrate ;  gill-rakers 
short,  16  or  17  more  or  less  developed  on  the  lower  limb  of  the  first 
arch;  scales  moderate,  those  on  anterior  part  of  body  above  lateral 
line  not  parallel  with  it,  6  or  7  oblique  rows  between  the  lateral  line  and 
origin  of  the  dorsal;  dorsal  fin  long,  the  spines  high  and  strong,  the 
fourth  the  longest,  equal  to  length  of  snout  and  half  to  two-thirds  of 
eye,  the  anterior  rays  of  the  soft  part  highest,  the  margin  of  the  fin 
concave,  the  interradial  membranes  scaled;  caudal  fin  covered  with 
small  scales,  forked,  the  upper  lobe  the  longer,  anal  fin  with  3  spines, 
the  second  enlarged,  as  long  as  the  longest  dorsal  spine,  the  soft  portion 
densely  scaled,  its  margin  straight  or  slightly  concave;  ventral  fins 
moderate,  inserted  slightly  nearer  origin  of  anal  than  tip  of  lower  jaw ; 
pectorals  rather  long,  reaching  nearly  or  quite  to  origin  of  anal,  at 
least  in  adult,  2.9  to  3.75  in  body. 

£olor  dark  brownish  gray;  each  scale  on  upper  anterior  part  of 
sides  with  a  dark  base ;  a  dark  area  behind  base  of  pectoral  and  above 
ventral;  fins  dusky,  the  anal  and  ventrals  darkest.  Young  paler  than 
the  adults,  with  two  dark  longitudinal  bars,  one  extending  from  eye 
along  median  line  of  side  to  below  last  rays  of  dorsal,  followed  by  a 
large  black  spot  at  base  of  caudal,  the  other  band  extending  from 
interorbital  to  under  base  of  soft  dorsal,  parallel  with  the  first. 

This  species  is  represented  by  17  specimens,  ranging  in  length  from 
60  to  450  mm.  It  inhabits  chiefly  rocky  bottom. 

Known  from  Florida  to  Brazil.  Also  recorded  from  the  Pacific 
coast  of  tropical  America  and  neighboring  islands.  We  are,  however, 
able  to  distinguish  our  Pacific  coast  representatives  from  those  of  the 
Atlantic,  and  if  two  forms  actually  exist  on  the  Pacific  side,  we  did 
not  obtain  them.  Our  specimens  are  from  Toro  Point,  Colon  and 
Porto  Bello. 


568    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

412.  Anisotremus  interruptus  (Gill).     (Plate  LIX.) 

Genytremus  interruptus  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.   Nat.   Sci.   Phila.,   1862,  256 

(Cape  San  Lucas;  young). 
Pristipoma  fiirthii  Steindachner,  (Sitzb.  k.  Ak.  Wiss.  Wien,  LXXIV) 

Ichth.  Beitr.,  V,  1876,  4,  PI.  I  (Panama). 
Anisotremus  surinamensis  interruptus  Jordan  &  Fesler,  Kept.  U.  S. 

Fish  Comm.,  XVII,  1889-91  (1893),  485. 
Anisotremus  interruptus  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

XLVII,  1898,  1319;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV, 

1904,  107  (Panama  Bay)  ;  Fowler,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1916, 

410  (Panama). 

Head  2.85  to  3.3;  depth  2  to  2.4;  D.  XII  (rarely  XIII),  16  or  17; 
A.  Ill,  8  or  9;  scales  46  to  50. 

Body  rather  deep,  compressed ;  anterior  profile  very  steep  over  snout, 
very  gently  convex  over  eyes,  strongly  convex  at  nape ;  head  moderate ; 
snout  short  and  blunt,  2.65  to  3.2  in  head;  eye  2.85  to  3.8;  mouth 
rather  small,  low,  terminal,  nearly  horizontal ;  maxillary  reaching  a  little 
past  anterior  margin  of  eye,  2.95  to  3.2  in  head;  teeth  in  the  jaws 
conical,  in  bands,  very  short,  the  outer  ones  not  notably  enlarged ; 
preopercular  margin  slightly  serrate;  gill-rakers  short,  15  or  16  more 
or  less  developed  on  the  lower  limb  of  the  first  arch ;  scales  rather  large, 
notably  enlarged  anteriorly  on  upper  part  of  body,  the  series  above 
lateral  line  not  parallel  with  it,  4  or  5  oblique  rows  between  lateral  line 
and  origin  of  dorsal;  dorsal  fin  long,  the  spines  strong,  the  third  or 
fourth  usually  the  longest,  equal  to  snout  and  about  two-thirds  the  eye, 
the  soft  part  anteriorly  not  elevated,  its  margin  convex,  the  interradial 
membranes  densely  scaled;  caudal  fin  covered  with  minute  scales,  the 
upper  lobe  the  longer ;  anal  fin  with  3  spines,  the  second  much  enlarged, 
slightly  longer  than  the  longest  dorsal  spine,  the  soft  portion  densely 
scaled,  with  straight  or  slightly  concave  margin ;  ventral  fins  moderate, 
inserted  a  little  nearer  origin  of  anal  than  tip  of  lower  jaw;  pectoral 
fins  rather  long,  reaching  nearly  to  origin  of  anal,  2.9  to  3.1  in  body. 

Color  in  spirits  brownish;  each  scale  on  upper  anterior  part  of  body 
with  a  large  dark  brown  spot  at  base;  pectorals  pale,  other  fins  dusky. 
Young  with  2  black  longitudinal  bars,  one  of  these  from  eye  to  just 
before  base  of  caudal  where  it  is  interrupted,  followed  by  a  black  spot 
at  base  of  caudal,  another  stripe  above  this  one  and  parallel  with  it. 

We  have  12  specimens  of  this  species,  ranging  in  length  from  147 
to  290  mm.  This  species  is  very  close  to  A.  surinamensis,  from  which 
it  appears  to  differ  in  the  notably  larger  scales  on  anterior  part  of  body, 
and  in  the  lighter  ground  color,  making  the  dark  bases  of  the  scales  on 


y  E 


APRIL  15,  1925.  FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.   569 

anterior  part  of  body  stand  out  very  distinctly.  The  snout  in  A. 
interrupts  appears  to  be  blunter  and  its  profile  steeper  and  the  outline 
of  the  soft  dorsal  is  convex,  while  in  A.  surinamensis  it  is  concave. 
This  fish  is  occasionally  seen  in  the  market. 

Known  from  Lower  California  to  Ecuador.  Our  specimens  are 
from  Naos  Island,  Balboa  and  Panama  City. 

413.  Anisotremus  virginicus  (Linnaeus).     (Plate  LX.) 

Sparus  virginicus   Linnaeus,    Syst.    Nat.,   Ed.    X,    1758,   281    (South 

America) . 
Sparus  vittatus  Bloch,  Naturg.  Ausl.  Fische,  V,  1791,  33,  PI.  CCLXIII, 

fig.  2  (Brazil). 
Perca  juba  Bloch,  Naturg.  Ausl.  Fische,  VI,  1792,  77,  PI.  CCCVIII, 

fig.  2  (Brazil). 
Grammistes  mauritii  Bloch  &  Schneider,  Syst.  Ichth.,  1801,  185  (after 

Sparus  vittatus  Bloch). 
Pristipoma  rodo  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  V,  1830, 

274(  Martinique;  Brazil;  Puerto  Rico;  San  Domingo). 
Pristipoma  acara  pinima  Castelnau,  Anim.  Nouv.  Rares  Amer.  Sud, 

1855,8  (Brazil). 

Pristipoma  virginicum  Giinther,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus.,  I,  1859,  288. 
Anisotremus  virginicus  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.   Nat.   Sci.   Phila.,   1861,   106; 

Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1898,  1322,  PI. 

CCIX,  fig.  539;  Fowler,  Proc.  Ac.   Nat.   Sci.   Phila.,    1917,   132 

(Colon). 
Pomadas\s  virginicus  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1881, 

385.  ' 

Head  2.8  to  3.2 ;  depth  1.9  to  2.1 ;  D.  XII,  16  or  17 ;  A.  Ill,  9  or  10 ; 
scales  56  to  63. 

Body  deep,  compressed;  anterior  profile  very  steep,  gently  convex 
from  snout  to  nape,  from  thence  to  dorsal  strongly  convex ;  head  deep ; 
snout  rather  short,  2.65  to  3.1  in  head;  eye  3  to  4.1;  mouth  small, 
terminal,  nearly  horizontal;  maxillary  reaching  nearly  or  quite  to 
anterior  margin  of  eye,  3.3  to  3.7  in  head ;  teeth  in  the  jaws  conical, 
in  bands,  the  outer  ones  slightly  enlarged ;  preopercle  finely  serrate ; 
gill-rakers  very  short,  13  to  15  on  the  lower  limb  of  first  arch;  scales 
rather  small,  reduced  on  head,  not  enlarged  above  lateral  line  and  the 
series  not  parallel  with  it,  10  or  n  rows  between  the  lateral  line  and 
origin  of  dorsal,  13  to  15  rows  between  the  lateral  line  and  origin  of  the 
anal ;  dorsal  fin  long,  the  spines  strong,  the  third  or  fourth  the  longest, 
about  equal  to  snout  and  half  the  eye,  the  second  spine  about  three- 


570    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

fourths  the  length  of  the  third,  the  soft  part  with  convex  margin,  the 
interradial  membranes  densely  scaled;  caudal  fin  moderately  forked, 
both  lobes  rather  acute,  densely  scaled;  anal  fin  with  3  spines,  the 
second  notably  enlarged,  equal  in  length  to  the  longest  dorsal  spine,  the 
soft  portion  of  the  fin  densely  scaled,  with  straight  or  slightly  convex 
margin;  ventral  fins  moderate,  inserted  somewhat  nearer  origin  of 
anal  than  tip  of  lower  jaw;  pectoral  fins  rather  long,  reaching  opposite 
origin  of  anal,  2.75  to  3.2  in  body. 

Color  greenish  brown  above,  pale  brown  below ;  back  and  sides  with 
alternating  bluish  and  bronze  stripes  of  about  equal  width;  a  jet  black 
bar  from  nape  through  eye,  another  from  origin  of  dorsal  to  or  across 
base  of  pectoral ;  ventrals  brownish,  the  outer  ray  reddish  yellow ;  other 
fins  all  bronze  colored. 

There  are  13  specimens  of  this  species  in  the  Panama  collection, 
ranging  in  length  from  73  to  245  mm.  It  is  not  very  abundant,  and 
was  taken  only  on  coral  reefs.  It  is  rarely  seen  in  the  market.  This 
species  is  very  closely  related  to  A.  taniatus,  from  which  it  may  be 
distinguished  by  the  color,  by  the  notably  steeper  anterior  profile,  and 
by  the  much  more  numerous  scales  on  the  fins. 

Known  from  Florida  to  Brazil.  Our  specimens  are  from  Toro 
Point,  Colon  and  Porto  Bello. 

414.  Anisotremus  taeniatus  Gill.  (Plate  LXI.) 
Anisotremus  tceniatus  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1861,  107 
(Panama)  ;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat  Mus.,  XLVII, 
1898,  1322;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904, 
108  (Panama  Bay)  ;  Fowler,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1916,  410 
(Panama). 

Head  2.9  to  3.3;  depth  1.95  to  2.4;  D.  XII,  16  or  17;  A.  Ill,  9  or 
10;  scales  49  to  57. 

Body  rather  deep,  compressed ;  anterior  profile  steep,  gently  convex 
over  eyes  and  snout,  strongly  convex  at  nape ;  head  deep ;  snout  rather 
short,  2.75  to  3.7  in  head ;  eye  2.7  to  3.9 ;  mouth  small,  terminal,  slightly 
oblique;  maxillary  reaching  nearly  or  quite  to  anterior  margin  of  eye, 
3  to  3.5  in  head;  teeth  in  the  jaws  conical,  in  bands,  the  outer  ones 
enlarged;  preopercle  serrate;  gill-rakers  short,  13  to  15  on  the  lower 
limb  of  the  first  arch ;  scales  rather  small,  somewhat  reduced  on  head, 
not  enlarged  above  lateral  line  and  the  series  not  parallel  with  it, 
10  or  ii  rows  between  the  lateral  line  and  origin  of  dorsal,  15  or  16 
between  the  lateral  line  and  origin  of  anal;  dorsal  fin  long,  the  spines 
strong,  the  third  or  fourth  longest,  usually  a  little  longer  than  snout, 


APRIL  15,  1925.  FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.   571 

the  interradial  membranes  with  minute  scales;  caudal  fin  well  forked, 
Loth  lobes  acute,  the  upper  one  the  longer,  mostly  covered  with  small 
scales;  anal  fin  with  3  strong  spines,  the  second  enlarged,  reaching 
nearly  or  quite  to  tips  of  anterior  rays,  about  equal  in  length  to  longest 
dorsal  spine,  the  soft  portion  short,  with  nearly  straight  margin,  small 
scales  on  interradial  membranes;  ventral  fins  moderate,  the  outer  ray 
without  a  filament,  inserted  a  little  nearer  origin  of  anal  than  tip  of 
lower  jaw;  pectoral  fins  long,  reaching  opposite  origin  of  anal,  3.1  to 
3.5  in  body. 

Color  golden  yellow;  sides  with  blue  streaks,  edged  with  black;  a 
broad  black  bar  from  nape  through  eye,  another  bar  from  origin  of 
dorsal  to  base  of  pectoral ;  fins  all  yellow. 

This  species  is  represented  by  25  specimens,  ranging  in  length  from 
100  to  300  mm.  It  is  quite  common  at  Panama  City  and  may  be  seen 
in  the  market  almost  daily,  being  of  considerable  value  as  food. 

Known  from  Mazatlan  to  Ecuador.  Our  specimens  were  taken  at 
Balboa  and  Panama  City. 

Family  LVI.    Sparidae. 

THE  PORGIES. 

Body  oblong  or  ovate,  usually  notably  compressed,  the  back  more  or 
less  elevated;  head  large;  mouth  small,  nearly  or  quite  horizontal; 
premaxillaries  little  protractile;  maxillary  slipping  under  preorbital  for 
most  of  its  length,  supplemental  bone  present;  preorbital  usually  broad; 
teeth  strong,  those  on  anterior  part  of  jaws* incisor-  or  molar-like  or 
conical,  those  at  sides  always  blunt  molars;  no  teeth  on  vomer  or 
palatines ;  gills  4,  a  slit  behind  the  fourth ;  gill-membranes  separate, 
free  from  the  isthmus,  the  rakers  rather  small  or  obsolete;  opercles 
without  spines;  lateral  line  complete,  not  extending  on  caudal  fin, 
concurrent  with  the  outline  of  the  back;  scales  rather  large  and  firm, 
finely  crenulate;  dorsal  fin  long,  continuous,  or  notched,  the  spines 
usually  strong,  depressible  in  a  groove,  10  to  13  in  number;  caudal 
fin  usually  forked ;  anal  fin  with  3  spines,  the  soft  part  similar  to  that 
of  the  dorsal ;  ventral  fins  subthoracic,  with  I,  5  rays. 

KEY  TO  THE  GENERA. 

a.  Front  teeth  conical  or  pointed,  not  compressed. 

b.  Second  interhaemal  spine  enlarged,  hollowed  anteriorly. 

Calamus,  p.  572- 

bb.     Second  interhaemal  spine  normal,  not  hollowed.  Pagrus,  p.  576. 
aa.     Front  teeth  broad,  incisors. 


572    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

c.  Dorsal  fin  preceded  by  a  small  antrorse  spine;  body  with  dark 
cross-bars,  sometimes  becoming  indistinct  or  disappearing  with 
age ;  no  black  spot  on  caudal  peduncle.  Archosargus,  p.  577. 

cc.  Dorsal  fin  without  antrorse  spine ;  body  without  black  bars ;  a 
large  black  spot  on  caudal  peduncle.  Diplodus,  p.  579. 

155.  Genus  Calamus  Swainson. 

Calamus  Swainson,  Nat.  Hist.  &  Class.  Fish.,  II,  1839,  221  (type  Pagel- 

lus  calamus  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes  =  Calamus  megacephalus  Shaw). 
Grammateus  Poey,  Ann.  Lye.  Nat.  Hist.  N.  Y.,  X,  1874,  182 

(type    Pagellus   microps    Guichenot  =  Pagellus    penna    Cuvier    & 

Valenciennes). 

Body  rather  deep,  compressed;  the  back  elevated;  head  moderate; 
preorbital  deep;  mouth  small;  teeth  in  front  on  jaws  conical  or  pointed; 
those  at  sides  molar ;  preopercle  entire ;  posterior  nostril  slit-like ;  dorsal 
fin  continuous,  the  fin  not  deeply  notched,  the  soft  rays  low,  not  scaly ; 
caudal  fin  forked ;  anal  fin  with  3  rather  short  spines,  the  soft  portion 
similar  to  that  of  the  dorsal;  pectoral  fins  long;  second  interhsemal 
bone  enlarged,  hollowed  anteriorly,  forming  a  groove  or  hollow  cone 
in  which  rests  the  posterior  end  of  the  air  bladder.  Two  species  of  this 
genus  were  secured;  one  on  each  coast. 

KEY   TO   THE   SPECIES. 

a.  Scales  large,  39  to  44  transverse  series  below  lateral  line; 
5  or  5/4  rows  between  the  lateral  line  and  base  of  first  dorsal 
spine ;  10  or  1 1  between  lateral  line  and  base  of  first  anal  spine ; 
4  rows  on  cheeks.  penna,  p.  572. 

aa.  Scales  moderate,  43  to  46  transverse  series  below  lateral 
line;  6  or  6^/2  rows  between  the  lateral  line  and  base  of  first 
dorsal  spine;  12  or  13  between  lateral  line  and  base  of  first  anal 
spine;  5  or  6  rows  on  cheeks.  brachysomus,  p.  574- 

aaa.  Scales  rather  small,  50  to  53  transverse  series  below  lateral 
line ;  6^  or  7  between  lateral  line  and  base  of  first  dorsal  spine ; 
14  or  15  between  lateral  line  and  base  of  first  anal  spine ;  7  rows 
on  cheeks.  calamus,  p.  575- 

415.  Calamus  penna  (Cuvier  &  Valenciennes). 

Pagellus  penna  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  VI,  1830,  209 

(Brazil). 
Pagellus  microps  Guichenot,  in  Sagra,  Hist.  Phys.  Polit.  Nat.  Cuba, 

Pt.  II,  1853,  188,  PI.  Ill,  fig.  i  (Havana). 
Pagellus  humilis  Poey,  Syn.  Pise.  Cub.,  1868,  308  (Havana). 


APRIL  15,  1925.  FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    573 

Grammateus  humilis  Poey,  Enumeratio,  1875,  56. 

Pagellus  milneri  Goode  &  Bean,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1879,  X34 

(Charlotte  Harbor,  Fla.). 
Sparus  milneri  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XVI,  1883. 

556. 
Calamus  penna  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1884,  21. 

Head  3  to  3.8;  depth  2  to  2.3;  D.  XII,  12  or  rarely  n  ;  A.  Ill,  10; 
transverse  series  of  scales  below  lateral  line  39  to  44. 

Body  deep,  compressed ;  the  back  much  elevated ;  anterior  profile 
strongly  convex;  head  rather  short  and  deep;  snout  not  greatly  in 
advance  of  forehead,  its  length  1.7  to  2.9  in  head;  eye  2.7  to  3.7; 
preorbital  about  one-fourth  broader  than  eye  in  specimens  170  mm.  in 
length,  notably  narrower  than  eye  in  specimens  85  mm.  and  less  in 
length;  mouth  rather  small,  nearly  horizontal,  the  lower  jaw  slightly 
included;  maxillary  reaching  slightly  past  anterior  margin  of  eye, 
2.35  to  3.15  in  head;  each  jaw  anteriorly  with  a  patch  of  conical  teeth, 
the  outer  ones  somewhat  enlarged,  sides  of  jaws  with  2  or  3  rows  of 
molars,  the  teeth  of  the  inner  row  the  broadest;  lateral  line  complete, 
concurrent  with  outline  of  the  back;  scales  rather  large,  finely  serrate, 
5  or  5^2  rows  of  scales  between  the  lateral  line  and  origin  of  the 
dorsal,  10  or  n  rows  between  the  lateral  line  and  origin  of  anal,  4 
rows  on  cheeks,  wanting  on  snout,  present  on  base  of  caudal  fin; 
dorsal  fin  long,  the  spines  pungent,  the  third  or  fourth  spine  the 
longest,  somewhat  longer  than  the  depth  of  the  preorbital,  the  soft 
part  low;  caudal  fin  rather  deeply  forked,  the  lobes  sharply  pointed, 
equal  to  or  longer  than  head;  anal  fin  with  3  short  spines,  the  second 
and  third  of  about  equal  length,  the  soft  portion  of  fin  similar  to  that 
of  the  dorsal;  ventral  fins  moderate,  inserted  notably  nearer  origin  of 
anal  than  tip  of  lower  jaw ;  pectoral  fins  rather  long,  longer  than  head, 
except  in  young  of  less  than  90  mm.  in  length,  3  to  3.4  in  body. 

Color  in  alcohol  grayish  green  with  silvery  reflections ;  sides  with  7 
or  8  dark  bars.  The  young  notably  darker  than  the  adult.  Our  largest 
specimens  with  a  dark  area  in  front  of  and  below  the  eyes,  and  with 
the  margin  of  the  preopercle  dusky.  Fins  all  more  or  less  blotched 
with  dusky;  ventrals  often  dusky;  base  of  upper  ray  of  pectoral  with 
small  black  spots. 

There  are  17  specimens  in  the  Panama  collection,  ranging  in  length 
from  45  to  170  mm.  This  species,  although  reaching  only  a  small 
size,  is  frequently  seen  in  the  markets,  and  is  of  some  value  as  food. 

Known  from  Florida  to  Brazil.  Our  specimens  were  taken  at  Toro 
Point,  Colon  and  Porto  Bello. 


574    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

416.  Calamus  brachysomus  (Lockington). 

Sparus  brachysomus  Lockington,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1880,  284 
(Magdalena  Bay,  Lower  California). 

Chrysophrys  calamus  Giinther,  Trans.  Zool.  Soc.  London,  VI,  1869,  421 
(Panama;  in  part). 

Calamus  brachysomus  Evermann  &  Jenkins,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 
1891,  153  (Guaymas)  ;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 
XLVII,  1898,  1353;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV, 
1904,  112  (Panama  Bay). 

Calamus  brachysoma  Boulenger,  Boll.  Mus.  Zool.  Anat.  Torino,  XIV, 
No.  335,  1899,  7  (Sta.  Elena  Bay,  Ecuador). 

Head  3  to  3.35;  depth  1.95  to  2.15;  D.  XII,  12;  A.  Ill,  10  (rarely 
9)  ;  scales  below  lateral  line  43  to  46. 

Body  deep,  compressed;  the  back  much  elevated;  dorsal  profile 
nearly  straight  over  snout,  strongly  convex  at  nape,  gradually  descend- 
ing from  the  base  of  the  anterior  dorsal  spines  backward;  head  rather 
short;  snout  tapering,  1.55  to  3  in  head;  eye  2.8  to  4.2;  preorbital 
about  twice  the  width  of  eye  in  specimens  400  mm.  in  length,  about 
half  the  eye  in  young  55  mm.  in  length;  mouth  rather  small,  nearly 
horizontal,  the  lower  jaw  included;  maxillary  about  reaching  vertical 
from  anterior  margin  of  eye,  2.15  to  3.1  in  head;  each  jaw  anteriorly 
with  a  patch  of  conical  teeth,  the  outer  ones  slightly  enlarged,  at  sides 
with  2  or  3  rows  of  molars,  the  teeth  of  the  inner  row  the  broadest; 
lateral  line  complete,  concurrent  with  the  outline  of  the  back;  scales 
moderate,  finely  crenate,  6  or  6^  rows  between  lateral  line  and  origin 
of  dorsal,  12  or  13  between  lateral  line  and  origin  of  anal,  5  or  6  rows 
on  cheeks,  wanting  on  snout,  present  on  caudal  fin ;  dorsal  fin  long,  the 
spines  slender,  the  third  or  fourth  the  longest,  equal  to  or  slightly 
longer  than  half  the  head,  the  soft  part  short  and  low ;  caudal  fin  forked, 
the.  lobes  somewhat  produced  in  adult,  the  upper  one  the  longer,  equal 
to  length  of  head;  anal  fin  with  3  strong  spines,  the  second  one  the 
longest,  although  not  reaching  past  the  third  when  deflexed,  the  soft 
portion  similar  to  that  of  the  dorsal ;  ventral  fins  moderate,  inserted  a 
little  nearer  origin  of  anal  than  tip  of  lower  jaw;  pectoral  fins  much 
produced  in  adult,  moderately  long  in  young,  2.2  to  3.1  in  body. 

Color  in  alcohol  of  large  specimens  greenish  to  silvery,  area  about 
eye  and  snout  to  upper  lip  black;  margin  of  opercle  and  preopercle 
black ;  a  more  or  less  distinct  dark  area  above  lower  part  of  pectoral ;  fins 
mostly  colorless,  the  pectoral  with  a  dark  spot  at  the  base  of  the  upper 


APRIL  15,  1925.  FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    575 

rays.  Young  darker,  with  narrow  black  cross-bars  and  dark  blotches 
which  are  extended  on  the  fins. 

This  species  is  represented  by  9  specimens,  ranging  from  50  to 
435  mm.  in  length. 

Known  from  the  Gulf  of  California  south  to  Guayaquil.  Our 
specimens  were  taken  by  the  use  of  dynamite  at  Taboga  Island  and, 
Balboa. 

417.  Calamus  calamus  (Cuvier  &  Valenciennes). 

Pagellus  calamus  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  VI,  1830, 

206,  PI.  CLII  (Martinique;  San  Domingo). 
Calamus  megacephalus  Swainson,  Nat.  Hist.  &  Class.  Fish.,  II,  1839, 

222  (after  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes). 
Chrysophrys  calamus  Giinther,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus.,  I,  1859,  4^7  (in 

part). 

Pagellus  orbitarius  Poey,  Memorias,  II,  1860,  201  (Havana). 
Calamus  macrops  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XVI,  1883, 

927  (not  of  Poey). 
Calamus  calamus  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1884,  16; 

Jordan  &^Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1898,  1349,  PL 

CCXII,  fig.  546;  Starks,  Leland  Stanford  Jr.  Univ.  Pub.,  Univ. 

Ser.,  1913,  47  (Natal,  Brazil). 

Head  3.25  to  4.1 ;  depth  2  to  2.15;  D.  XII,  12;  A.  Ill,  n ;  trans- 
verse series  of  scales  below  lateral  line  50  to  53. 

Body  deep,  quite  strongly  compressed;  the  back  much  elevated; 
anterior  profile  steep,  strongly  convex  at  nape ;  head  deep ;  snout  short, 
its  length  1.5  to  1.7  in  head;  eye  3.4  to  3.6;  preorbital  broad,  twice  as 
wide  as  eye  in  specimens  300  mm.  in  length ;  mouth  small,  horizontal ; 
maxillary  failing  to  reach  anterior  margin  of  eye,  2.4  to  2.7  in  head; 
each  jaw  anteriorly  with  a  patch  of  conical  teeth,  the  outer  ones  some- 
what enlarged,  a  few  of  them  directed  forward  in  large  examples,  sides 
of  the  jaws  with  2  or  3  rows  of  molars ;  lateral  line  complete,  concurrent 
with  the  outline  of  the  back;  scales  rather  small,  very  finely  crenate, 
&/2  or  7  rows  between  lateral  line  and  origin  of  dorsal,  14  or  15 
between  lateral  line  and  origin  of  anal,  about  7  rows  on  cheeks,  wanting 
on  snout,  present  on  caudal  fin;  dorsal  fin  long,  the  third  or  fourth 
spine  the  longest,  about  equal  to  width  of  preorbital,  the  soft  part 
rather  high ;  caudal  fin  moderately  forked ;  anal  fin  with  3  strong  spines, 
the  soft  portion  similar  to  that  of  the  dorsal ;  ventral  fins  inserted  some- 
what nearer  origin  of  anal  than  tip  of  snout;  pectoral  fins  long,  2.7  to 
2.8  in  body. 


576    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

Color  in  alcohol  grayish  silvery;  the  snout  below  and  in  front  of 
eyes  dusky. 

This  species  was  not  obtained  at  Panama,  but,  since  it  has  been 
recorded  from  localities  both  north  and  south  of  the  Isthmus,  it  may 
be  expected  to  be  found  there  at  a  later  time.  The  above  description 
is  based  on  3  specimens  in  the  National  Museum  taken  at  Nassau, 
ranging  from  190  to  300  mm.  in  length. 

Known  from  Florida  to  Brazil. 

156.  Genus  Pagrus  Cuvier. 
Pagrus  Cuvier,  Regne  Animal,  Ed.  I,  II,  1817,  272  (type  Sparus  argen- 

teus  Bloch  &  Schneider  =   Sparus  pagrus  Linnaeus). 

Body  oblong,  compressed ;  head  large ;  mouth  rather  small,  terminal, 
low ;  jaws  anteriorly  with  pointed  teeth,  the  outer  series  usually  enlarged, 
not  compressed,  both  jaws  with  2  or  3  series  of  rounded  molar  teeth 
at  sides,  occasionally  intermixed  with  pointed  teeth;  posterior  nostrjl 
oblong;  opercle  entire;  gill-rakers  short;  dorsal  fin  long  and  low,  the 
spines  about  12  in  number;  caudal  fin  forked;  anal  spines  moderate, 
the  second  not  greatly  enlarged;  second  interhsemal  spine  not  hollowed 
or  grooved.  This  genus  is  not  represented  in  the  Panama  collection, 
but  the  single  known  species  is  of  wide  distribution  and  may  occasionally 
occur  on  the  Atlantic  coast  of  Panama. 

418.  Pagrus  pagrus  (Linnaeus). 

Sparus  pagrus   Linnaeus,    Syst.    Nat.,   Ed.    X,    1758,   279    (southern 

Europe). 

Sparus  argenteus  Bloch  &  Schneider,  Syst.  Ichth.,  1801,  271. 
Pagrus  argenteus  Cuvier,  Regne  Animal,  Ed.  I,  II,  1817,  272. 
Pagrus  vulgaris  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  VI,  1830, 

142  (southern  Europe). 
Pagrus  pagrus  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII, 

1898,  1356,  PI.  CCXV,  fig.  551. 

Head  3.95;  depth  3.3;  D.  XII,  n;  A.  Ill,  8;  transverse  series  of 
scales  below  lateral  line  54. 

Body  moderately  elongate,  compressed ;  the  back  elevated ;  anterior 
profile  rather  strongly  convex;  head  very  deep;  snout  moderate,  its 
length  2.1  in  head;  eye  4.1;  mouth  moderate,  nearly  horizontal,  the 
lower  jaw  slightly  included;  maxillary  reaching  a  little  past  anterior 
margin  of  eye,  2.4  in  head ;  jaws  anteriorly  with  rather  strong  canines 
followed  by  small  conical  teeth  behind,  sides  of  jaws  with  2  series  of 
rather  narrow,  blunt  molars ;  preorbital  notably  broader  than  eye  in 
specimen  460 mm.  in  length;  gill-rakers  short  and  blunt,  about  9  on 


APRIL  15,  1925.  FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    577 

lower  limb  of  first  arch;  scales  rather  large,  finely  serrate,  6  rows 
between  lateral  line  and  origin  of  dorsal,  13  between  lateral  line  and 
origin  of  anal;  dorsal  fin  long,  the  spines  rather  slender,  the  third 
the  longest,  about  equal  to  length  of  snout,  the  soft  part  very  short; 
caudal  fin  rather  deeply  forked,  the  lobes  pointed,  anal  fin  with  3 
spines,  the  third  the  longest,  notably  shorter  than  the  longest  dorsal 
spine,  the  soft  part  similar  to  that  of  the  dorsal ;  ventral  fins  moderate, 
inserted  nearer  origin  of  anal  than  tip  of  lower  jaw;  pectoral  fins 
long,  3.95  in  body. 

"Color  golden-olive,  the  middle  of  each  scale  largely  pinkish-red, 
giving  a  general  reddish  hue  to  the  fish ;  sides  and  below  silvery, 
flushed  with  red ;  many  scales  of  back  and  sides  each  with  a  small 
round  spot  of  deep  purplish-blue,  those  forming  distinct  longitudinal 
streaks  on  the  sides  below  lateral  line,  the  series  somewhat  irregular, 
running  along  the  margins  of  the  scales;  above  the  lateral  line  these 
spots  are  somewhat  scattered,  forming  very  irregular  oblique  series, 
running  upward  and  backward ;  a  few  of  these  spots  on  nape,  and 
upper  part  of  opercle;  a  dark  spot  on  upper  part  of  orbital  rim;  snout 
tinged  with  purplish,  occiput  with  olive;  edge  of  opercle  dusky; 
ventral  fins  largely  orange,  their  edges  translucent;  spinous  dorsal 
somewhat  dusky;  ventrals  pale,  with  a  pinkish  blotch  at  base;  pec- 
torals yellowish,  especially  at  base,  the  axil  somewhat  dusky."  (Jor- 
dan &  Evermann.) 

This  species  is  not  yet  known  from  Panama,  but  it  is  a  widely 
distributed  species,  which  will  very  probably  sooner  or  later  be  taken 
there.  We  have  examined  one  specimen,  460  mm.  in  length,  from 
Florida  which  is  in  the  National  Museum.  This  specimen  forms  the 
basis  for  the  above  description. 

Known  from  southern  Europe,  and  from  South  Carolina  to 
Argentina. 

157.  Genus  Archosargus  Gill. 

Archosargus  Gill,  Canadian  Naturalist,  II,  1865,  266  (type  Sparus  pro- 

batocephalus  Walbaum). 
Salema  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Kept.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  XXI,   1895 

(1896),  390  (type  Perca  unimaculata  Bloch). 

Body  short  and  deep;  head  short;  mouth  moderate;  jaws  anter- 
iorly with  broad  incisors,  with  entire  or  with  slightly  notched  margins, 
jaws  at  sides  with  coarse  molars;  posterior  nostril  slit-like;  opercles 
entire;  gill-rakers  small;  dorsal  fin  long,  continuous,  preceded  by  an 
antrorse  spine,  the  spines  strong,  the  soft  part  short ;  caudal  fin  forked ; 
anal  fin  with  3  strong  spines,  the  second  more  or  less  enlarged ;  ventral 


578    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

fins  subthoracic.  Body  with  dark  cross-bars  which  sometimes  become 
vague  or  disappear  in  adult.  A  single  species  of  this  genus  was  taken 
on  the  Atlantic  coast  of  Panama.  A  few  others,  however,  may  be 
expected  there. 

KEY  TO   THE    SPECIES. 

a.  Dorsal  spines  13;  sides  with  golden  stripes  and  dark  bars,  the 
latter  present  only  in  young  less  than  150  mm.  in  length. 

unimaculatus,  p.  578. 

aa.  Dorsal  spines  12 ;  sides  without  golden  stripes,  but  with  broad, 
black,  persistent  bars.  aries,  p.  579. 

419.  Archosargus  unimaculatus  (Bloch). 

Perca  unimaculata  Bloch,  Naturg.  Ausl.  Fische,  VI,  1792,  PI.  CCCVIII, 

fig.  i  (Brazil;  based  on  a  figure  by  Prince  Maurice). 
Grammistes  unimaculatus  Bloch  &  Schneider,  Syst,  Ichth.,  1801,  184 

(after  Bloch). 
Sargus  humeri-maculatus  Quoy  &  Gaimard,  in  Freycinet,  Voy.  Uranie 

et  Physicienne,  Zool.,  1824,  297   (Rio  de  Janeiro). 
Sargus  flavolineatus  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.   Nat.   Poiss.,  VI, 

1830,  60  (Cuba). 
Sargus  unimaculatus  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  VI, 

1830,  62. 

Cynadus  brama  Gronow,  Cat.  Fish,  1854,  56  (South  Carolina). 
Sargus  caribaus  Poey,  Memorias,  II,  1860,  197  (Cuba). 
Diplodus  caribous  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XVI,  1883, 

930. 

Diplodus  flavolineatus  Jordan,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1886,  42. 
Archosargus  unimaculatus  Jordan  &  Fesler,  Kept.  U.  S.  Fish.  Comm., 

XVII,  1889-91  (1893),  520;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat. 

Mus.,  XLVII,   1898,   1359,  PI.   CCXVI,  fig.  553;  Fowler,  Proc. 

Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1916,  402  (Colon),  and  1917,  132  (Colon). 

Head  2.8  to  3.7;  depth  1.85  to  2.5;  D.  XIII,  11  or  12;  A.  Ill,  10 
or  1 1 ;  scales  43  to  48. 

Body  deep,  compressed;  the  back  elevated;  anterior  profile  slightly 
concave  above  eyes  in  adult;  head  rather  short;  snout  blunt,  2.3  to  3.3 
in  head;  eye  3  to  3.7;  preorbital  rather  broad,  equal  to  length  of  eye 
in  adult  (specimens  230 mm.  in  length),  not  more  than  half  the  width 
of  eye  in  specimens  90  mm.  in  length;  mouth  rather  small,  nearly  or 
quite  horizontal,  the  lower  jaw  slightly  included;  maxillary  reaching 
to  or  slightly  past  anterior  margin  of  eye,  3  to  3.4  in  head;  anterior 
margin  of  jaws  with  a  series  of  broad  incisors,  each  with  broadly 


APRIL  15,  1925.  FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    579 

concave  margin,  broad  molar  teeth  behind  the  incisors  and  in  sides  of 
jaws ;  gill-rakers  very  short,  6  or  7  more  or  less  developed  on  lower  limb 
of  first  arch ;  lateral  line  complete,  concurrent  with  the  outline  of  the 
back;  scales  rather  large,  finely  crenate,  7  or  8  rows  between  lateral 
line  and  base  of  first  dorsal  spine,  13  or  14  between  lateral  line  and 
first  anal  spine,  5  rows  on  cheeks,  wanting  on  snout,  present  on  caudal 
fin;  dorsal  fin  long,  the  spines  strong,  the  fourth  the  longest,  equal  to 
length  of  snout  and  half  the  eye,  the  soft  part  low,  much  shorter  than 
the  spinous  part;  caudal  fin  moderately  forked,  the  upper  lobe  the 
longer,  about  equal  to  length  of  head ;  anal  fin  with  3  very  strong 
spines,  the  second  one  the  longest,  nearly  or  quite  as  long  as  the  longest 
dorsal  spine,  the  soft  portion  of  fin  similar  to  that  of  the  dorsal ;  ventral 
fins  rather  large,  not  much  shorter  than  head,  inserted  slightly  nearer 
origin  of  anal  than  tip  of  lower  jaw;  pectoral  fins  very  long,  2.35  to  3 
in  head. 

Color  brownish  above,  silvery  below;  sides  with  yellowish  stripes; 
a  black  spot  on  lateral  line  below  origin  of  dorsal ;  fins  mostly  unmarked, 
the  dorsal  with  a  narrow  black  margin. 

This  is  a  common  species  on  the  Atlantic  coast  of  Panama.  We 
preserved  63  specimens,  ranging  from  25  to  230  mm.  in  length.  It  is 
a  food  fish  of  some  importance  and  may  be  seen  daily  in  the  Colon 
market. 

Known  from  Florida  south  to  Rio  de  Janeiro.  Our  specimens 
were  taken  at  Toro  Point,  Mindi  Cut,  Colon  and  Porto  Bello. 

420.  Archosargus  aries  (Cuvier  &  Valenciennes). 

Sargus  aries  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  VI,  1830,  58 

(Rio  de  Janeiro;  Maracaibo). 
Archosargus  probatocephalus  aries  Eigenmann  &  Hughes,  Proc.  U.  S. 

Nat.  Mus.,  1887,  69. 
Archosargus  aries  Jordan  &  Fesler,  Rept.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  XVII, 

1889-91   (1893),  522;  Jordan  &  EVermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

XLVII,  1898,  1361. 

A  second  species  of  this  genus  may  be  expected  to  be  found  on  the 
Atlantic  coast  of  Panama,  as  it  has  been  recorded  from  localities  both 
north  and  south  of  the  isthmus.  It  was,  however,  not  seen  by  us. 
From  descriptions  at  hand  it  seems  to  be  very  similar  to  the  northern 
sheepshead,  A.  probatoceplialus  (Walbaum).  From  A.  unhnaculatus 
it  may  be  distinguished  by  the  persistent  cross-bars  and  by  having  12 
instead  of  13  spines  in  the  dorsal  fin.  It  also  reaches  a  much  larger  size. 

Known  from  Honduras  to  Brazil. 


580    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

158.  Genus  Diplodus  Rafinesque. 

Diplodus  Rafinesque,   Ind.  d'ltt.   Sicil.,   etc.,   1810,   54    (type   Spar  us 

annularis  Linnaeus). 
Sargus  Cuvier,  Regne  Animal,  Ed.  I,  II,  1817,  272  (type  Sparus  sargus 

Linnaeus). 

Body  deep,  more  or  less  compressed ;  the  back  elevated ;  head  deep ; 
mouth  rather  small,  low,  terminal;  jaws  anteriorly  with  broad  incisors, 
with  truncate  or  entire  margins,  a  series  of  small  teeth  behind  the 
incisors,  jaws  at  sides  with  2  or  3  rows  of  molars ;  gill-rakers  short  and 
slender;  intestinal  canal  short;  dorsal  spines  strong,  usually  12  in 
number,  not  preceded  by  an  antrorse  spine;  caudal  fin  forked;  anal 
fin  with  3  rather  strong  spines ;  second  interhaemal  spine  normal ;  body 
without  dark  cross-bars;  a  black  blotch  on  caudal  peduncle. 

421.  Diplodus  argenteus  (Cuvier  &  Valenciennes). 

Sargus  argenteus  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  VI,  1830, 

60  (Brazil). 

Sargus  caudimacula  Poey,  Memorias  II,  1860,  198  (Cuba). 
Diplodus  argenteus  Eigenmann  &  Hughes,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1887, 
73;  Berg,  Anal.  Mus.  Nac.  Buenos  Aires,  IV,  1895,  49  (Monte- 
video; Embocadura  del  Rio  de  la  Plata). 

Head  3.2  to  3.35;  depth  1.9  to  2.2;  D.  XII,  14  or  15;  A.  Ill,  13 
or  14;  vertical  series  of  scales  below  lateral  line  56  to  60. 

Body  deep,  compressed ;  the  back  notably  elevated ;  anterior  profile 
evenly  convex  in  young,  straight  or  slightly  concave  above  eyes  in  adult ; 
head  short;  snout  moderate,  its  length  2  to  2.25  in  head;  eye  3.2  to  3.8; 
mouth  moderate,  horizontal,  terminal;  maxillary  scarcely  reaching 
anterior  margin  of  eye,  2.95  to  3.05  in  head;  jaws  anteriorly  with 
strong  incisors,  with  entire  margins ;  sides  of  jaws  with  2  or  3  series  of 
molars;  preorbital  moderate,  about  two-thirds  the  width  of  eye  in 
specimens  200  mm.  in  length,  half  the  width  of  eye  in  individuals 
1 25  mm.  in  length;  scales  moderate,  finely  crenate,  wanting  on  snout, 
but  present  on  caudal  fin,  8  rows  between  lateral  line  and  origin  of 
dorsal,  14  rows  between  lateral  line  and  origin  of  anal;  dorsal  fin  long, 
the  spines  strong,  the  third  the  longest,  nearly  as  long  as  head  without 
snout,  the  soft  part  low;  caudal  fin  forked,  the  lobes  pointed;  anal 
fin  with  3  strong  spines,  the  second  one  somewhat  enlarged,  stronger 
than  the  longest  dorsal  spine,  but  not  quite  as  long,  the  soft  portion 
similar  to  that  of  the  dorsal;  ventral  fins  rather  long,  inserted  nearer 
origin  of  anal  than  tip  of  snout ;  pectoral  fins  long,  reaching  past  origin 
of  anal  in  adult,  proportionately  shorter  in  young,  2.6  to  3.2  in  body. 


APRIL  15,  1925.  FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.   581 

Color  in  alcohol  bluish  above,  silvery  below;  opercle  with  a  dusky 
border ;  a  large  black  spot  on  sides  of  caudal  peduncle,  below  and  behind 
base  of  last  dorsal  ray ;  upper  rays  of  pectoral  with  a  black  spot  at  base. 

This  species  is  as  yet  not  known  from  Panama,  but  is  here  included 
because  it  is  recorded  from  localities  both  north  and  south  of  the 
Isthmus.  It  is  here  described  from  specimens  from  the  Bermuda 
Islands  and  from  Cuba. 

Known  from  Florida  south  to  Argentina. 


Family  LVII.    Gerridae. 

THE  MOJARRAS. 

Body  oblong  or  elevated,  compressed,  covered  with  large  smooth 
scales;  lateral  line  usually  concurrent  with  the  back;  mouth  moderate, 
extremely  protractile;  the  spines  of  the  premaxillaries  extending  to 
above  eye,  closing  a  deep  groove  on  the  top  of  the  head ;  maxillary  with- 
out supplemental  bone,  not  slipping  under  preorbital ;  base  of  mandible 
scaly,  a  slit  behind  it  and  the  preorbital  to  permit  its  free  motion ;  both 
jaws  with  slender,  villiform  teeth;  no  incisors  or  molars;  no  teeth  on 
vomer  or  palatines;  nostrils  double;  pseudobranchiae  concealed;  gill 
membranes  separate,  free  from  the  isthmus ;  dorsal  fin  single,  continuous 
or  deeply  notched;  spinous  and  soft  portion  usually  about  equally 
developed,  with  a  scaly  sheath  along  base;  dorsal  spines  usually  9  or 
10;  anal  spines  2  or  3 ;  ventral  fins  thoracic,  I,  5,  inserted  slightly  behind 
the  pectorals;  branchiostegals  6;  lower  pharyngeal  bones  close  together, 
the  teeth  blunt;  air  bladder  present;  pyloric  caeca  rudimentary; 
vertebras  10  -f- 14  =  24.  Oviparous.  Carnivorous.  The  large  species 
are  valued  as  food*. 

KEY  TO  THE  GENERA. 

a.  Second  interhaemal  spine  hollow,  cone-shaped,  its  cavity  entered 
by  the  posterior  end  of  the  air  bladder ;  preopercle  entire ;  anal 
spines  3,  the  second  not  much  enlarged.     Eucinostotnus,  p.  582. 

aa.  Second  interhaemal  spine  normally  developed,  not  hollow,  and 
not  entered  by  the  air  bladder;  preopercle  entire,  or  serrate; 
anal  spines  2  or  3,  the  second  large  or  small. 

b.  Second   interhaemal   small;   anal   spines   2,   the   second   small; 
preopercle  entire.  Ulcema,  p.  588. 

*It  was  found  necessary,  in  order  that  the  true  relationship  of  the  species 
of  Gerridce  occurring  in  the  Panama  collection  might  be  understood,  to  make 
a  study  of  all  of  the  American  forms  and  for  that  reason  keys  and  descriptions 
for  all  species  studied  have  been  included. 


582    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

bb.     Second  interhsemal  long,  spear-shaped ;  anal  spines  2  or  3,  the 

second  enlarged. 
c.       Preopercle  entire ;  the  second  anal  spine  moderate. 

Gerres,  p.  589. 
cc.     Preopercle  serrate;  the  second  anal  spine  much  enlarged. 

Diapterus,  p.  591. 

159.  Genus  Eucinostomus  Baird  and  Girard. 

Eucinostomus  Baird  &  Girard,  in  Baird,  9th  Kept.  Smith.  Inst.,  1854 
(1855),  345  (type  Eucinostomus  argenteus  Baird  &  Girard  =  Ger- 
res gula  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes). 
Second  interhaemal  spine  enlarged,  forming  a  hollow  cone  which 

is  entered  by  the  posterior  end  of  the  air  bladder;  preorbital  and  pre- 

opercle  entire;  body  comparatively  elongate;  anal  spines  2  or  3,  the 

second  anal  and  dorsal  spines  not  greatly  enlarged. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES. 

a.  Premaxillary  groove  crossed  or  at  least  almost  crossed  by  scales 
in  front,  leaving  a  naked  pit  behind;  body  compressed,  rather 
deep.  gula,  p.  582. 

aa.  Premaxillary  groove  not  crosssed  by  scales  in  front,  usually  open 
and  linear,  sometimes  slightly  restricted  by  scales  in  front,  and 
wider  posteriorly;  body  less  compressed,  rather  slender. 

b.  Anal  spines  3. 

c.  The  back  moderately  elevated ;  the  body  moderately  compressed, 
the  depth  2.5  to  3.3  in  the  length ;  anal  spines  rather  strong,  the 
second  enlarged,  much  stronger  than  the  third. 

calif orniensis,  p.  584. 

cc.  The  back  scarcely  elevated ;  the  body  little  compressed,  the  depth 
3.5  to  4.2  in  the  length;  anal  spines  very  weak,  the  second 
scarcely  stronger  than  the  third. 

calif  orniensis  clongatus  subsp.  nov.,  p.  586. 
bb.     Anal  spines  2.  meeki,  p.  587. 

422.  Eucinostomus  gula   (Cuvier  &  Valenciennes). 

Gerres  gula  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  VI,  1830,  464 

(Martinique). 
Eucinostomus  argenteus  Baird  &  Girard,  in  Baird,  9th  Rept.  Smith. 

Inst.,  1854  (1855),  345  (Beesley's  Point,  New  Jersey). 
Eucinostomus  gulula  Poey,  Enumeratio,  1875,  54>  PI-  U  (Havana). 
Diapterus  homonymus  Goode  &  Bean,-  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1879, 

340  (Clearwater  Harbor). 


APRIL  15,  1925.  FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    583 

Gerres  argentciis  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XVI,  1883, 

584. 
Gerres  homonymus  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XVI, 

1883,  584. 
Eucinostomiis  gula  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII, 

1898,  1370;  Fowler,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1917,  133  (Colon). 

Head  2.8  to  3.4;  depth  2.2  to  3;  D.  IX,  10;  A.  Ill,  7;  scales  44 
to  48. 

Body  elliptical  in  form,  moderately  compressed,  varying  greatly 
in  depth ;  back  moderately  elevated ;  anterior  profile  evenly  and  gently 
convex,  except  for  slight  depression  between  eyes;  snout  3.1  to  3.8  in 
head ;  eye  2.4  to  2.9 ;  mouth  small,  the  maxillary  reaching  to,  or  slightly 
past  anterior  margin  of  orbit;  premaxillary  groove  closed  or  nearly 
closed  with  scales  in  front,  leaving  a  naked  pit  behind ;  preorbital  and 
preopercle  entire;  gill-rakers  small,  7  below  angle  on  first  arch;  dorsal 
spines  rather  weak,  the  second  and  third  almost  equal  in  length ;  second 
anal  spine  shorter  but  noticeably  stronger  than  the  third,  about  half  as 
long  as  the  second  dorsal  spine,  2.6  to  3.8  in  head;  pectorals  long, 
reaching  to  vertical  of  origin  of  anal  fin ;  ventrals  rather  short,  usually 
not  reaching  to  vent;  second  interhaemal  spine  cone-shaped,  hollow, 
entered  by  the  posterior  end  of  air  bladder ;  air  bladder  with  two  small 
appendages  anteriorly,  extending  forward  to  the  cranium  at  the  sides, 
tapering  posteriorly,  coming  to  a  point  inside  the  hollow  interhaemal 
spine;  stomach  with  3  caeca,  contents  partly  digested  Crustacea, 
molluscs  and  algae. 

Color  silvery,  with  bluish  reflections  above ;  dorsal,  caudal  and  anal 
more  or  less  dusky;  pectorals  and  ventrals  pale;  spinous  dorsal  with 
black  margin. 

This  species,  although  usually  easily  separated  from  E.  californiensis 
by  the  deeper  body  and  premaxillary  groove  scaling,  has  representatives 
that  make  the  separation  extremely  difficult.  One  lot  from  Porto  Bello, 
and  two  lots  from  Fox  Bay,  Colon,  have  the  premaxillary  groove  only 
partly  closed  by  scales.  These  examples  are  no  deeper  than  other 
examples  of  the  same  lots  that  have  the  premaxillary  groove  open  and 
linear  (E.  calif  orniensis)  but,  on  the  other  hand,  they  are  just  as  deep 
as  some  of  the  examples  of  the  same  lots  that  have  the  premaxillary 
groove  completely  closed  by  scales  in  front.  The  depth,  in  length  of 
body,  of  those  with  the  premaxillary  groove  completely  closed  varies 
from  2.4  to  3;  of  those  with  the  premaxillary  groove  partly  closed  it 
varies  from  2.5  to  3 ;  and  those  with  the  groove  open  and  linear  (E. 
californiensis)  the  depth  in  length  varies  from  2.7  to  3.2.  E.  gula 


584    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

usually  has  only  3  rows  of  scales  between  lateral  line  and  middle  of 
dorsal  fin,  while  E.  californiensis  usually  has  4.  These  lots  then 
indicate  that  the  two  species  intergrade.  They  are  here,  however, 
tentatively  kept  separate. 

This  species  was  found  to  be  rather  common  along  the  Atlantic 
coast  of  Panama,  but  it  was  nowhere  as  abundant  as  its  nearest  relative, 
E.  californiensis.  The  present  collection  contains  123  specimens, 
ranging  from  60  to  120  mm.  in  length. 

Known  from  Woods  Hole,  Mass.,  south  to  Brazil.  Our  specimens 
are  from  Toro  Point,  Mindi  Cut,  Fox  Bay,  Colon;  Colon  Reef,  and 
Porto  Bello. 

423.  Eucinostomus  californiensis  (Gill).    (Plate  LXII,  fig.  i.) 
Diapterus  californiensis  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.   Nat.   Sci.   Phila.,   1862,  245 

(Cape  San  Lucas). 
Diapterus  gracilis  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1862,  246   (Cape 

San  Lucas). 

Diapterus  dowii  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1863,  162  (Panama). 
Eucinostomus  pseudogula  Poey,  Enumeratio,  1875,  53,  PI.  I  (Havana)  ; 

Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1898,  1368; 

Smith,  N.  C.  Geol.  &  Econ.  Surv.,  II,  1907,  304. 
Gerres  jonesii  Giinther,  Ann.  &  Mag.  Nat.  Hist.,  Ser.  5,  III,  1879,  150 

and  389  (Bermudas). 
Eucinostomus  harengulus  Goode  &  Bean,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1879, 

132  (Key  West,  Florida)  ;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat. 

Mus.,  XLVII,  1898,  1368. 
Gerres  harengulus  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XVI,  1883, 

584. 

Gerres  dozvi  Evermann  &  Meek,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1886,  259. 

Gerres  pseudogula  Evermann  &  Meek,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1886, 
260. 

Gerres  gracilis  Evermann  &  Meek,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1886,  261. 

Gerres  californiensis  Evermann  &  Meek,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila., 
1886,  263. 

Gerres  californiensis  cinereus  Eigenmann  (R.  S.),  American  Natura- 
list, XXV,  1891,  155  (San  Diego). 

Eucinostomus  californiensis  Jordan,  Proc.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  2nd  Ser.,  1895, 
469;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1898, 
1369;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  113; 
Starks,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1906,  792;  Fowler,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat. 
Sci.  Phila.,  1916,  410  (Panama). 


z  — 

IE     - 

o  - 


P.  E 


APRIL  15,  1925.  FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    585 

Eucinostomus   dowi  Jordan   &    Evermann,    Bull.    U.    S.    Nat.    Mus., 

XLVII,  1898,  1367. 

Head  2.7  to  3.5;  depth  2.5  to  3.3;  D.  IX,  10;  A.  Ill,  7;  scales  44 
to  48. 

Body  elongate,  moderately  compressed,  varying  greatly  in  depth; 
back  moderately  elevated;  anterior  profile  nearly  straight;  snout  2.7 
to  3.8  in  head ;  eye  2.4  to  3.5 ;  mouth  small ;  maxillary  reaching  slightly 
past  anterior  margin  of  orbit;  premaxillary  groove  open  and  linear  in 
young,  in  large  examples  often  oval  and  restricted  by  scales  in  front; 
preorbital  and  preopercle  entire;  gill-rakers  weak,  7,  occasionally  8, 
below  angle  of  first  arch;  dorsal  spines  rather  weak,  moderately 
elevated,  the  second  a  little  shorter  than  the  third;  second  anal  spine 
varying  greatly  in  length,  shorter  than  the  third  but  much  stronger, 
about  half  the  length  of  the  second  dorsal  spine,  2.3  to  4.4  in  head; 
pectoral  fins  reaching  to  vertical  from  vent ;  ventrals  rather  short,  often 
not  reaching  to  vent ;  second  interhsemal  spine  in  the  form  of  a  hollow 
cone,  which  the  air  bladder  enters;  air  bladder  with  two  small  append- 
ages anteriorly,  extending  forward  to  the  cranium  at  the  sides,  tapering 
posteriorly,  coming  to  a  point  inside  the  hollow  interhaemal  spine; 
stomach  with  2  or  3  caeca,  varying  greatly  in  size,  contents  partly 
digested  Crustacea,  molluscs  and  plant  tissue  (algae?).  (Five  stomachs 
examined.) 

Color  greenish  above,  with  bluish  reflections,  silvery  below.  A  large 
number  of  our  smaller  specimens  both  from  the  Atlantic  and  Pacific 
have  irregular  dark  bars  and  blotches  on  sides;  these  are  absent  on  all 
large  specimens,  as  well  as  on  many  small  ones.  This  difference  in 
coloration  does,  however,  not  carry  any  structural  differences  with  it. 
Pectorals  pale;  all  other  fins  usually  more  or  less  dusky;  anal  and 
ventrals  often  pale;  spinous  dorsal  with  black  margin. 

The  forms  here  placed  in  synonomy  have  been  held  as  distinct 
species  chiefly  on  the  following  characters :  depth  of  body,  size  of  eye, 
length  of  snout,  and  the  length  of  the  second  anal  spine.  These  char- 
acters are  all  variable  and  that  all  of  them  intergrade  is  evident  from 
the  study  of  our  large  series,  together  with  the  study  of  the  large  number 
of  specimens  in  the  U.  S.  National  Museum  collection. 

In  placing  all  of  these  forms  under  E.  calif orniensis,  we  are  merely 
verifying  what  has  already  been  noted  by  Evermann  &  Meek  (Proc. 
Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1886,  p.  262),  who  state:  "There  seems  to  be  no 
difference  between  the  'harengulus'  of  the  East  Coast  and  the  West 
Coast  'gracilis' " ;  and  Jordan  &  Evermann  (1898,  pp.  1368  and  1369), 
who  say :  "Specimens  very  similar  [to  E.  dotvii]  have  been  taken  at 


586    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

Key  West  and  Havana,  but  these  may  be  referable  to  Eucinostomus 
harengulus.  *****  premaxillary  groove  long,  linear  and  naked  in 
young  specimens  (gracilis),  becoming  in  older  examples  (calif orniensis) 
more  or  less  oval  and  sometimes  forming  a  rounded  pit."  Gilbert  & 
Starks  (1904)  state:  "Our  extensive  series  seems  to  prove  E.  down  to 
be  invalid."  Jordan  &  Dickerson  (Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1908,  p.  16) 
add:  "These  agree  with  Eucinostomus  pseudogula;  but,  on  the  other 
hand,  they  can  not  be  distinguished  from  Eucinostomus  harengulus,  by 
comparison  of  either  with  the  description  of  the  species  or  with  speci- 
mens (Mayaguez,  Porto  Rico).  It  would  therefore  seem  probable  that 
pseudogula  and  harengulus  are  identical." 

This  species  was  found  very  abundant  on  both  coasts  of  Panama, 
running  up  brackish  water  streams.  Numerous  specimens,  ranging  in 
length  from  45  to  200  mm.,  were  preserved. 

This  species  ranges  on  the  Pacific  coast  from  California  south  to 
Ecuador;  on  the  Atlantic  coast  it  ranges  from  North  Carolina  south 
to  Brazil.  Our  specimens  from  the  Pacific  coast  are  from  the  following 
localities :  Chame  Point,  Taboga  Island,  Naos  Island,  Corozal,  Balboa, 
Panama  City  market,  and  Rio  Juan  Diaz,  Juan  Diaz.  Atlantic  coast 
specimens  are  from:  Toro  Point,  Mindi  Cut,  Fox  Bay,  Colon;  Colon 
Reef,  Colon  market,  and  Porto  Bello. 

424.  Eucinostomus  calif  orniensis  elongatus  subsp.   nov.      (Plate 
LXII,  fig.  2.) 

Type  No.  81732,  U.  S.  N.  M.;  length  86  mm.;  Taboga  Island, 
Panama. 

Head  3.15  to  3.44;  depth  3.5  to  4.2;  D.  IX,  10;  A.  Ill,  7;  scales 
45  to  47. 

Body  long  and  slender,  but  little  compressed ;  the  back  only  slightly 
elevated ;  anterior  profile  straight  from  tip  of  snout  to  posterior  margin 
of  orbits,  there  becoming  slightly  convex;  snout  2.9  to  3.5  in  head; 
eye  2.8  to  3.25 ;  mouth  small,  the  maxillary  reaching  slightly  past 
anterior  margin  of  eye ;  premaxillary  groove  linear  and  free  from  scales , 
preorbital  and  preopercle  entire;  gill-rakers  small,  7,  occasionally  8, 
below  angle  on  first  arch;  dorsal  spines  weak  and  flexible,  the  second 
a  little  shorter  than  the  third;  anal  spines  also  weak,  the  second  little 
shorter  than  the  third  and  only  slightly  stronger,  3.2  to  4.4  in  head; 
pectorals  reaching  about  to  vertical  from  anal  opening;  ventrals  very 
short,  not  nearly  reaching  to  vent ;  second  interhsemal  spine  modified 
into  the  form  of  a  hollow  cone,  which  the  air  bladder  enters ;  air  bladder 


APRIL  15,  1925.  FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    587 

with  two  anterior  appendages  extending  forward  to  the  cranium  on  the 
sides,  tapering  posteriorly  and  coming  to  a  point  inside  the  hollow 
interhaemal  spine;  stomach  with  2  caeca,  contents  small  Crustacea. 
(Four  stomachs  examined.) 

Color  silvery,  brownish  above,  paler  below ;  back  with  dusky  cross- 
bars, one  on  nape  running  downward  and  backward  to  upper  angle  of 
opercle,  another  just  in  front  of  spinous  dorsal,  running  downward 
and  backward,  a  third  one  across  the  last  dorsal  spines  running  down- 
ward and  backward  and  meeting  the  second  one  just  above  the  lateral 
line,  a  fourth  bar  running  downward  and  forward  crosses  the  back  at 
about  the  middle  of  soft  dorsal,  the  last  one  crosses  the  back  just 
posterior  to  dorsal  fin.  There  is  a  dusky  blotch  on  dorsal  surface  of 
caudal  peduncle,  and  a  row  of  blotches  along  sides  on  median  line  of 
body ;  dorsal  and  caudal  more  or  less  dusky ;  spinous  dorsal  with  black 
margin;  other  fins  pale. 

A  lot  of  100  specimens  from  Taboga  Island,  ranging  in  length  from 
55  to  100  mm.,  fits  the  above  description.  These  have  a  very  elongate 
body,  which  is  little  compressed  and  the  back  scarcely  elevated.  The 
anal  spines  are  very  small,  especially  the  second  one,  which  is  only 
slightly  stronger  than  the  third.  This  lot  seems  to  represent  an 
extremely  slender  form  of  this  very  variable  species,  Eucinosfomus 
calif  orniensis. 

425.  Eucinostomus  meeki  Eigenmann. 

Eucinostomus  meeki  Eigenmann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  XXII,  1902 

(1904),  229  (San  Juan  River,  western  Cuba). 
Gerres  lefroyi  Regan,  Biol.  Cent.  Amer.,  Pise.,  1907,  39  (in  part). 

"General  appearance  of  Ulcema  lefroyi,  differing  from  all  other 
species  of  Eucinostomus  in  having  but  2  anal  spines. 

"Head  3.25;  depth  3;  D.  IX,  10;  A.  II,  8;  scales  4-46-9;  eye  i  in 
snout,  3  in  head,  i  in  interorbital.  Body  elongate,  little  compressed  or 
elevated,  the  dorsal  profile  but  little  more  elevated  than  the  ventral; 
snout  pointed,  the  profile  from  snout  to  dorsal  gently  arched;  mouth 
narrow,  terminal,  but  little  above  the  lower  margin  of  the  eye ;  maxillary 
reaching  to  vertical  from  front  of  eye,  3.4  in  head,  its  exposed  part 
boat-shaped,  a  trifle  more  than  twice  as  long  as  wide,  5  in  head;  inter- 
maxillary groove  entirely  naked,  its  width  5  in  the  interorbital ;  pre- 
opercle  and  preorbital  entire;  dorsal  spines  slender,  the  second  longest, 
6  in  the  length;  ventrals  short,  reaching  half  way  to  anal;  pectorals 
long,  3.5  in  the  length,  reaching  beyond  tips  of  ventrals,  but  not  to  vent. 
First  anal  spine  minute,  the  second  equal  to  the  length  of  the  eye. 


588    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

"Color,  ashy  gray,  with  some  metallic  reflections ;  dusky  lines  along 
the  rows  of  scales;  sides  and  back  everywhere  punctate  with  minute 
dots;  vertical  fins  dusky;  ventrals  and  pectorals  lighter."  (Eigenmann.) 

Not  seen  by  us.    The  above  description  is  a  copy  of  the  original. 

Known  only  from  Cuba. 

160.  Genus  Ulaema  Jordan  &  Evermann. 
Ulcema  Jordan  &  Evermann,  in  Jordan,  Proc.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  2nd  Ser., 

V,  1895,  471   (type  Diapterus  lefroyi  Goode). 

Body  slender ;  preopercle  and  preorbital  entire ;  fin  spines  small ; 
anal  with  only  two  spines ;  second  interhaemal  spine  short  and  bluntish, 
not  hollow  and  not  receiving  the  end  of  the  air  bladder. 

426.  Ulaema  lefroyi  (Goode). 

Diapterus  lefroyi  Goode,  Amer.  Journ.  Sci.  &  Arts,  VIII,  1874,  123 

(Bermudas). 

Eucinostomus  productus  Poey,  Enumeratio,  1875,  55  (Havana). 
Eucinostomus  lefroyi  Goode,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  V,  1876,  39. 
Ulcema  lefroyi  Jordan  &  Evermann,  in  Jordan,  Proc.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  2nd 

Ser.,  V,  1895,  471 ;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

XL VII,  1898,  1371 ;  Starks,  Leland  Stanford  Jr.  Univ.  Pub.,  Univ. 

Ser.,  1913,  47. 

Head  3.2  to  3.4;  depth  2.95  to  3.3;  D.  IX,  10;  A.  II,  8;  scales  46 
to  49. 

Body  elongate,  not  very  greatly  compressed;  back  little  elevated; 
anterior  profile  gently  convex;  snout  3  to  3.34  in  head;  eye  2.7  to  3.1 ; 
mouth  rather  small ;  maxillary  reaching  to  or  slightly  past  anterior  mar- 
gin of  orbit ;  premaxillary  groove  narrow,  and  free  from  scales ;  pre- 
orbital and  preopercle  entire ;  gill-rakers  small,  7  below  angle  on  anterior 
arch;  dorsal  fin  deeply  notched,  the  spines  weak  and  flexible;  anal 
spines  2,  the  second  rather  strong,  3.45  to  3.84  in  head;  pectorals 
moderate,  not  quite  reaching  vertical  from  vent;  ventrals  short,  not 
reaching  more  than  half  the  distance  from  their  base  to  anal  opening. 

Color  silvery,  darker  above,  everywhere  with  fine  dusky  punctula- 
tions,  and  traces  of  cross-bars;  top  of  spinous  dorsal  black;  dorsal, 
anal  and  caudal  dusky;  ventrals  and  pectorals  paler,  but  with  dusky 
punctulations ;  no  distinct  lines  along  the  rows  of  scales  on  sides ;  snout 
dusky. 

This  species  was  not  found  on  the  coast  of  Panama.  The  above 
description  is  based  on  specimens  from  Key  West,  Nassau,  Cozumel 
and  Honduras. 

Known  from  Florida  south  to  Brazil. 


APRIL  15,  1925.  FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    589 

161.  Genus  Gerres  Cuvier. 
Gerres  Cuvier,  in  Quoy  &  Gaimard,  in  Freycinet,  Voy.   Uranie  et  Phy- 

sicienne,  Zool.,  1824,  293  (type  Gerres  vaigiensis  Quoy  &  Gaimard). 
Xystcema  Jordan  &  Evermann,  in  Jordan,  Proc.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  2nd  Ser., 

V,  1895,  471  (type  Mugil  cinereus  Walbaum). 

Preopercle  entire ;  second  interhsemal  spine  long  and  spear-shaped ; 
second  dorsal  and  second  anal  spines  less  enlarged  than  in  Diapterus. 

KEY   TO   THE   SPECIES. 

a.       Body  deep,  the  depth  2.25  to  2.6  in  length ;  premaxillary  groove 
broad ;  sides  of  body  with  dark  cross-bars.          cinereus,  p.  589. 

aa.     Body   slender,  the   depth   3   in   length;   premaxillary  groove 
narrow,  restricted  anteriorly;  sides  without  cross-bars. 

Havana,  p.  590. 

427.  Gerres  cinereus  (Walbaum). 

Mugil  cinereus  Walbaum,  Artedi  Piscium,  Pt.  Ill,  1792,  228  (Baha- 
mas ;  after  Catesby) . 

Gerres  aprion  Cuvier,  Regne  Animal,  Ed.  II,  II,  1829,  188  (based  on 
Catesby). 

Gerres  zebra  Miiller  &  Troschel,  in  Schomburgk,  Hist.  Barbados,  1848, 
668  (Barbados). 

Gerres  squamipinnis  Giinther,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus.,  I,  1859,  349 
(Jamaica;  Guatemala),  and  Trans.  Zool.  Soc.  London,  VI,  1869, 

391- 

Gerres  cinereus  Jordan,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1885,  384. 
Xystcema  cinereum  Jordan  &  Evermann,  in  Jordan,  Proc.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci., 

2nd  Ser.,  V,  1895,  471 ;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

XLVII,   1898,   1372,   PI.   CCXVIII,  fig.   556;  Gilbert  &   Starks, 

Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  114. 
Gerres  simillimus  Regan,  Biol.  Cent.  Amer.,  Pise.,  1907,  38,  PI.  VIII, 

fig.  2  (Rio  Presidio,  Mexico). 

Head  2.75  to  3.8;  depth  2.25  to  2.6;  D.  IX,  10;  A.  Ill,  7;  scales 
41  to  45. 

Body  elongate,  compressed ;  back  moderately  elevated ;  anterior 
profile  straight  from  tip  of  snout  to  occiput,  evenly  convex  from  occi- 
put to  origin  of  dorsal ;  snout  2.75  to  3.75  in  head ;  eye  2.64  to  3.25 ; 
mouth  moderate;  maxillary  extending  from  slightly  past  anterior 
margin  of  orbit  to  anterior  margin  of  pupil ;  premaxillary  groove 
broad  and  free  from  scales ;  preorbital  and  preopercle  entire ;  gill- 
rakers  small,  7  below  angle  on  anterior  arch ;  dorsal  spines  weak,  the 


590    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

second  not  much  stronger  than  the  third,  and  about  equal  to  it  in 
length ;  second  anal  spine  a  little  shorter  than  the  third,  but  very 
much  stronger,  2.1  to  3.2  in  head;  pectorals  reaching  to  or  almost  to 
origin  of  anal;  ventrals  usually  not  reaching  to  vent;  caudal  fin  long, 
the  upper  lobe  the  longest,  as  long  as  or  longer  than  the  head,  2.25 
to  2.8  in  length  of  body,  the  entire  fin  covered  with  small  scales ;  4 
or  4l/2  rows  of  scales  between  the  lateral  line  and  middle  of  dorsal ; 
second  interhsemal  spine  long  and  spear-shaped ;  air  bladder  cylin- 
drical, with  two  anterior  and  two  posterior  appendages,  the  anterior 
ones  extending  forward  to  cranium  on  sides,  the  posterior  ones  reach- 
ing past  interhsemal  spines  to  about  the  base  of  the  fourth  soft  ray 
of  the  anal;  stomach  with  short  and  thick  caeca,  contents  small  mol- 
luscs. (Three  stomachs  examined.) 

Color  silvery,  dark  above,  pale  below;  sides  with  broken  vertical 
bars  which  are  bluish  in  life,  these  often  very  faint;  no  dark  lines 
along  rows  of  scales ;  dorsal  and  caudal  dusky ;  pectorals  pale  ;  ventrals 
and  anal  yellowish  in  life ;  snout  dusky. 

This  species  was  found  to  be  common  on  the  Atlantic  coast  but 
rather  rare  on  the  Pacific  coast.  Our  collection  contains  35  speci- 
mens from  the  Atlantic  and  5  from  the  Pacific,  ranging  in  length 
from  no  to  310  mm.  Besides  these  we  have  at  hand  for  comparison 
the  numerous  specimens  deposited  in  the  U.  S.  National  Museum  col- 
lection. We  are  unable  to  detect  any  difference,  whatever,  between 
the  Atlantic  and  Pacific  representatives. 

Known  from  the  Atlantic  coast  from  Florida  south  to  Cartagena, 
and  on  the  Pacific  coast  from  Lower  California  south  to  Peru.  Our 
Atlantic  coast  specimens  are  from  Toro  Point;  Fox  Bay,  Colon;  Colon 
Reef ;  Colon  market ;  and  Porto  Bello.  Pacific  coast  specimens  are 
from  Corozal ;  Panama  City  market ;  and  Rio  Juan  Diaz,  Juan  Diaz. 

428.  Gerres  havana  (Nichols). 

Xystcema  havana  Nichols,  Bull.  Amer.  Mus.  Nat.  Hist.,  XXXI,  1912, 

189  (Havana)  ;  Starks,  Leland  Stanford  Jr.  Univ.  Pub.,  Univ.  Ser., 

1913,  48. 

This  species  was  not  seen  by  us.  It  apparently  differs  from  G. 
cinereus  in  being  more  slender,  in  having  the  premaxillary  groove 
narrower  and  of  different  shape,  and  having  no  dark  cross-bars  on 
sides  of  body. 

Recorded  from  Havana,  Cuba,  and  from  Natal,  Brazil. 


APRIL  15,  1925.  FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.   591 

162.  Genus  Diapterus  Ranzani. 

Diapterus  Ranzani,  Novi.  Comment.  Ac.  Sci.  Inst.  Bonon.,  IV,  1840, 

340  (type  Diapterus  auratus  Ranzani). 
Catochfpnum  Cantor,  Journ.  Roy.  Asiat.  Soc.  Bengal,  XVIII,   1849, 

55  (tyP6  Gcrres  waigensis  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  substituted  for 

Gerres,  which  was  regarded  as  preoccupied  by  Gerris  Fabricius, 

1794,  a  genus  of  insects). 
Moharra     Poey,     Enumeratio,     1875,    5°     (type     Gerres    rhombeus 

Cuvier). 

Second  interhaemal  spine  long  and  spear-shaped,  not  hollow  and 
not  receiving  the  end  of  the  air  bladder;  preopercle  serrate;  body 
more  or  less  rhomboid  in  form;  the  back  elevated;  the  second  or 
third  dorsal  and  anal  spines  more  or  less  elevated. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES. 

a.  Preorbital  entire;  no  distinct  lines  along  the  rows  of  scales 
on  sides. 

b.  Anal  spines  2,  soft  rays  9;  body  short  and  deep. 

c.  Gill-rakers  14  or  15  below  angle  on  anterior  arch;  second  anal 
spine  strong,  shorter  than  second  dorsal  spine,  4.5  to  5.9  in 
length  of  body.  rhombeus,  p.  593. 

cc.  Gill-rakers  10  below  angle  on  anterior  arch ;  second  anal  spine 
enlarged,  almost  as  long  as  second  dorsal  spine,  3.5  to  3.8  in 
length  of  body.  evennanm  sp.  nov.,  p.  594. 

bb.     Anal  spines  3,  soft  rays  8. 

d.  Lateral   line   running   high,   everywhere   much   above   axis  of 
body,  scales  on  anterior  portion  of  body  enlarged,  becoming 
quite  small  on  caudal  peduncle;  dorsal  fins  notched  to  the  base, 
separate.  aureolus,  p.  594. 

dd.  Lateral  line  lower,  in  line  with  the  axis  of  the  body  on  caudal 
peduncle ;  scales  anteriorly  not  much  enlarged ;  dorsal  fins  not 
notched  to  the  base,  continuous. 

e.  Premaxillary  groove  narrow,  free  from  scales  in  young,  cov- 
ered with  small  scales  in  larger  specimens;  gill-rakers   10  or 
u,   including   rudiments,   below   angle   on   anterior   arch;   air 
bladder  with  one  recurved  posterior  appendage,  which  is  en- 
larged at  its  extremity,  in  adult,  so  as  to  form  a  bulb. 

olisthostomus,  p.  595. 

ee.  Premaxillary  groove  broad  and  free  from  scales  at  all  ages; 
gill-rakers  12  or  13,  including  rudiments,  below  angle  on  an- 


592    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

terior  arch;  air  bladder  with  two  lateral  posterior  appendages, 
which  extend  backward  on  either  side  of  interhsemal  bones. 

peruvianus,  p.  597. 

aa.  Preorbital  serrate;  dark  lines  along  the  rows  of  scales  on 
sides. 

f.  Body  short  and  deep,  the  back  much  elevated;  second  anal 
spine  much  enlarged,  longer  than  the  third;  gill-rakers  13  to 
15  below  angle  on  anterior  arch. 

g.  Outer  margin  of   dorsal  very  concave,  anterior  spines   very 
high,  the  second  as  long  or  longer  than  the  head,  2.25  to  3.4  in 
length  of  body. 

h.  Gill-rakers  13  or  14  below  angle  on  anterior  arch;  scales  rather 
large,  36  to  40  in  lateral  line ;  lateral  stripes  conspicuous. 

plumieri,  p.  598. 

hh.     Scales  small,  43  to  45  in  lateral  line ;  lateral  stripes  faint. 

mexicanus,  p.  599. 

gg.  Outer  margin  of  dorsal  fin  only  feebly  concave,  the  anterior 
spines  only  moderately  elevated,  the  second  always  shorter 
than  the  head,  3.4  to  4.8  in  length  of  body;  gill-rakers  14  or  15 
below  angle  on  anterior  arch.  axillaris,  p.  599. 

ff.  Body  more  elongate,  the  back  only  moderately  elevated;  sec- 
ond anal  spine  strong,  equal  to  or  shorter  than  third;  gill- 
rakers  9  to  12  below  angle  on  anterior  arch. 

i.  Second  anal  spine  very  strong,  and  longer  than  the  second  dor- 
sal spine ;  lower  lip  normal,  not  thickened. 

j.  The  third  row  of  scales  below  lateral  line  running  the  whole 
length  of  body;  9  rows  of  scales  between  lateral  line  and  base 
of  ventrals ;  gill-rakers  9  or  10.  brasilianus,  p.  600. 

jj.  The  second  row  of  scales  below  lateral  line  running  the  whole 
length  of  the  body;  8  rows  between  lateral  line  and  base  of 
ventrals;  gill-rakers  n  below  angle  on  anterior  arch. 

lineatus,  p.  602. 

ii.  Second  anal  spine  strong,  but  not  longer  than  second  dorsal 
spine ;  lower  lip  more  or  less  thickened,  at  least  at  sides. 

k.  Dorsal  fin  with  9  spines  and  9  or  10  soft  rays;  9  rows  of  scales 
between  lateral  line  and  base  of  ventrals;  gill-rakers  10  or  n 
below  angle  on  anterior  arch.  brevimanus,  p.  602. 

kk.  Dorsal  with  10  spines,  and  8  soft  rays;  8  rows  of  scales  be- 
tween lateral  line  and  base  of  ventrals ;  gill-rakers  12. 

periche,  p.  603. 


APRIL  15,  1925.  FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.   593 

429.  Diapterus  rhombeus    (Guvier). 

Gerres  rhombeus  Cuvier,  Regne  Animal,  Ed.  II,  II,  1829,  188  (based 
on  Sloane)  ;  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  VI,  1830, 
459  (Martinique;  San  Domingo)  ;  Giinther,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus., 
I.  J859,  341 ;  Evermann  &  Meek,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1886, 
266;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1898, 
1374;  Starks,  Leland  Stanford  Jr.  Univ.  Pub.,  Univ.  Ser.,  1913, 
48;  Fowler,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1916,  404  (Colon),  and  1917, 
133  (Colon). 

Head  2.8  to  3.2;  depth  1.8  to  2.25;  D.  IX,  10;  A.  II,  9;  scales  38 
to  40. 

Body  short  and  deep,  much  compressed,  rhomboidal  in  form;  the 
back  much  elevated ;  anterior  profile  very  convex,  with  slight  depres- 
sion above  orbits;  snout  3.2  to  4.1  in  head;  eye  2.6  to  3.4;  mouth 
rather  large;  maxillary  reaching  to  about  center  of  eye;  premaxil- 
lary  groove  broad  and  free  from  scales;  preorbital  entire;  preopercle 
serrate;  gill-rakers  rather  short  and  very  slender,  14  or  15  below 
low  angle  on  first  arch;  second  dorsal  spine  high,  but  little  shorter 
than  head ;  anal  spines  constantly  2  in  number,  the  second  very  strong, 
but  much  shorter  than  second  dorsal  spine,  1.45  to  1.95  in  head,  4.5 
to  5.9  in  length  of  body;  pectorals  long,  nearly  equal  to  length  of 
head,  reaching  past  origin  of  anal  fin;  first  soft  ray  of  ventral  with 
a  short  filament,  the  fin  reaching  past  anal  opening;  second  inter- 
haemal  spine  spear-shaped,  longer  than  second  anal  spine,  with  a 
prominent  ridge  in  front  and  a  groove  behind ;  air  bladder  cylindrical 
in  shape,  without  appendages,  ending  abruptly  both  anteriorly  and 
posteriorly ;  stomach  with  3  finger-shaped  caeca ;  contents  of  six  stomachs 
examined — numerous  small  molluscs  and  Crustacea,  the  remains  of  a 
partly  digested  fish,  and  plant  tissue  (algae)  ;  peritoneum  black. 

Color  silvery,  darker  above,  with  bluish  reflections;  small  speci- 
mens often  with  faint  dusky  vertical  bars  on  sides;  pectorals  pale; 
all  other  fins  with  dusky  punctulations ;  spinous  dorsal  with  black  mar- 
gin; ventrals  and  anal  yellowish  in  life;  snout  dusky;  no  distinct  lines 
along  the  rows  of  scales. 

This  species  was  found  abundant  on  the  Atlantic  coast  of  Panama, 
and  it  runs  far  up  brackish  streams.  A  lot  of  263  specimen,  ranging 
in  length  from  55  to  175  mm.,  was  preserved. 

Known  from  the  West  Indies  south  to  Brazil.  Our  specimens  are 
from  Toro  Point;  New  Gatun;  Mindi  Cut;  Fox  Bay,  Colon;  Colon 
Reef;  Colon  market,  and  Porto  Bello. 


594    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

430.  Diapterus  evermanni  sp.  nov.     (Plate  LXIII.) 

Type  No.  81738,  U.  S.  N.  M.;  length  78  mm.;  Mindi  River,  near 
Mindi,  Panama  Canal  Zone. 

Head  2.8  to  2.9;  depth  2  to  2.2;  D.  IX,  10  or  n  ;  A.  II,  9;  scales 
37  to  40. 

Body  short  and  deep,  much  compressed,  rhomboidal  in  form;  the 
back  much  elevated ;  anterior  profile  very  convex,  with  a  slight  de- 
pression above  orbits;  snout  3.7  to  4.1  in  head;  eye  2.5  to  2.7;  mouth 
rather  small ;  maxillary  reaching  to  about  anterior  margin  of  pupil ; 
premaxillary  groove  Broad,  free  from  scales;  preorbital  entire;  pre- 
opercle  serrate;  gill-rakers  short  and  rather  strong,  10  below  angle 
on  first  arch;  second  dorsal  spine  elevated,  somewhat  shorter  than 
head,  3.3  to  3.7  in  length  of  body;  second  anal  spine  much  enlarged, 
almost  equal  in  length  to  second  dorsal  spine,  1.25  to  1.34  in  head, 
3.5  to  3.8  in  length  of  body ;  pectorals  nearly  equal  to  length  of  head, 
reaching  past  origin  of  anal  fin ;  first  soft  ray  of  ventrals  with  a  short 
filament,  fins  reaching  well  past  anal  opening;  second  interhsemal 
spine  spear-shaped;  air  bladder  cylindrical  in  form,  without  append- 
ages, ending  abruptly  both  anteriorly  and  posteriorly;  stomach  with 
5  caeca;  contents  of  one  stomach  examined — partly  digested  Crustacea 
and  algae (  ?)  ;  peritoneum  black. 

Color  silvery,  darker  above,  with  bluish  reflections;  about  4  or 
5  faint  dusky  vertical  bars  on  sides;  pectorals  pale;  all  other  fins  with 
dusky  punctulations ;  spinous  dorsal  with  jet  black  margin;  snout 
dusky;  no  distinct  lines  along  the  rows  of  scales. 

This  species  differs  from  Diapterus  rhombeus  principally  in  having 
a  larger  second  anal  spine  and  in  having  fewer  and  stronger  gill- 
rakers.  It  is  represented  in  the  present  collection  by  4  specimens, 
ranging  in  length  from  70  to  95  mm.  These  were  taken  in  the  Mindi 
River  near  Mindi,  and  in  Fox  Bay,  Colon. 

431.  Diapterus  aureolus  (Jordan  &  Gilbert). 

Gerres  aureolus  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  I,  1881 

(1882),  328  (Bay  of  Panama)  ;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac. 

Sci.,  IV,  1904,  114. 

Head  3  to  3.24;  depth  2.22  to  2.28;  D.  IX,  10;  A.  Ill,  8;  scales 
35  or  36. 

Body  compressed;  the  back  moderately  elevated,  profile  with  an 
evident  depression  above  orbits;  snout  3.45  to  3.7  in  head;  eye  2.9  to 
3.25;  mouth  large;  maxillaries  reaching  to  almost  center  of  pupil; 
premaxillary  groove  broad  and  scaleless;  preorbital  entire;  preopercle 


1    £ 


S  I 

Q    - 


APRIL  15,  1925.  FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    595 

serrate;  gill-rakers  very  short,  12  or  13  in  number;  spinous  dorsal  not 
greatly  elevated,  spines  slender,  the  second  but  slightly  stronger  than 
others,  a  little  shorter  than  third,  1.6  to  1.9  in  head ;  dorsal  fins  separate, 
notched  to  the  base ;  caudal  fin  deeply  forked,  about  as  long  as  head,  the 
lobes  slightly  rounded,  not  forming  a  sharp  angle ;  anal  spines  low,  the 
second  a  little  shorter  than  the  third  (original  description  gives  "second 
anal  spine  a  little  longer  than  third")  but  notably  the  stronger,  2.2 
to  2.5  in  head ;  ventrals  reaching  well  past  vent,  more  than  half  length 
of  head ;  pectorals  long,  as  long  as  head,  reaching  slightly  past  origin 
of  anal;  scales  much  enlarged  anteriorly,  becoming  quite  small  on 
caudal  peduncle,  2^  rows  between  lateral  line  and  dorsal  fin;  lateral 
line  running  high,  everywhere  much  above  axis  of  body. 

The  color  is  described  by  Jordan  and  Gilbert  (Bull.  U.  S.  Fish 
Comm.,  I,  1881  (1882),  328)  as  follows: 

"Color  in  life:  Light  olivaceous  above,  silvery  below,  sides  with 
distinct  tinge  of  pale  yellow.  Fins  all  yellowish ;  vertical  fins  margined 
with  black,  spinous  dorsal  with  a  jet-black  blotch  on  tip  of  membrane 
of  anterior  spines.  Membrane  of  each  spine  and  ray  of  dorsal  with 
a  distinct  jet-black  spot  at  its  base.  Ventrals  yellow  on  terminal  por- 
tion of  outer  rays  only,  the  very  tips  of  these  white.  Tip  of  snout 
dark.  Opercular  membrane  yellowish  above.  Lips  with  yellow.''  This 
description  agrees  very  well  with  our  specimens,  except  that  only  the 
spinous  dorsal  is  margined  with  black;  vertical  fins  otherwise  with 
dark  punctulations.  Our  largest  specimen  also  has  some  dark  punc- 
tulations  on  the  ventrals. 

This  species,  which  heretofore  was  known  only  from  the  type  taken 
by  Dr.  C.  H.  Gilbert  at  Panama  in  1881,  is  represented  in  the  present 
collection  by  n  specimens,  ranging  in  length  from  80  to  145  mm. 

Known  from  the  coasts  of  Panama  and  Colombia.  Our  specimens 
are  from  Balboa  and  the  Panama  market. 

432.  Diapterus  olisthostomus  (Goode  &  Bean). 

Gerres  olisthostoma  Goode  &  Bean,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1882,  423 

(Indian  River,  Fla.). 
Gerres  olisthostomus  Jordan  &   Evermann,   Bull.   U.   S.   Nat.   Mus., 

XLVII,  1898,  1376,  PI.  CCXVIII,  fig.  557;  Evermann  &  Marsh, 

Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  XX,  Pt.  I,  1900   (1902),  209,  fig.  62; 

Starks,  Leland  Stanford  Jr.  Univ.  Pub.,  Univ.  Ser.,  1913,  49. 

Head  2.84  to  3.28;  depth  1.97  to  2.26;  D.  IX,  10;  A.  Ill,  8; 
scales  38  to  41. 

Body  short  and  very  deep;  anterior  profile  steep;  snout  3.1  to  4 
in  head ;  eye  2.4  to  3.75 ;  mouth  rather  large ;  maxillary  reaching 


596    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

slightly  past  anterior  margin  of  pupil;  preorbital  entire;  preopercle 
serrate ;  premaxillary  groove  narrow  and  free  from  scales  in  small  speci- 
mens, broad  and  covered  with  small  scales  extending  forward  almost 
to  nostrils  in  larger  specimens  (Specimens  in  the  present  collection 
that  measure  150  mm.  or  less  in  length  have  the  premaxillary  groove 
narrow  and  free  from  scales,  while  all  larger  ones  have  it  wider  and 
covered  with  scales.)  ;  eye  moderate,  equal  to  snout  in  length  in  large 
specimens,  longer  than  snout  in  young;  gill-rakers  small,  10  or  n, 
including  rudiments,  below  angle  on  first  arch ;  anterior  spines  of  dorsal 
high,  the  second  a  little  shorter  than  the  third,  but  noticeably  stronger, 
3.2  to  4.25  in  body;  second  anal  spine  shorter  than  the  third,  very 
strong,  3.45  to  5.85  in  body;  the  margin  of  the  dorsal  and  anal  fins 
very  concave,  more  so  than  in  Diapterus  peruvianus,  its  west  coast  rela- 
tive; the  posterior  spines  and  the  soft  rays  of  the  dorsal  lower;  pec- 
torals slightly  longer  than  head,  reaching  to  or  a  little  past  origin  of 
anal ;  first  soft  ray  of  ventral  usually  with  a  short  filament,  fin  reach- 
ing to  anal  opening  in  large  examples,  past  anal  opening  in  young; 
second  interhaemal  spine  large,  spear-shaped,  with  a  ridge  in  front  and 
a  groove  behind;  air  bladder  strictly  adherent,  cylindrical  in  shape, 
with  a  narrow  tube  at  posterior  end  curving  upward  and  forward  just 
in  front  of  the  interhgemal  spines  and  enlarged  at  its  extremity  to  form 
a  bulb  lying  just  under  the  body  wall  between  the  anal  opening  and 
origin  of  anal  fin;  this  tube  not  noticeably  developed  into  a  bulb  at  its 
extremity  in  small  specimens;  peritoneum  black;  stomach  with  4  or  5 
caeca;  contents  of  two  stomachs  examined — Crustacea,  and  the  remains 
of  an  animal  bearing  hair-like  spines. 

Color  silvery,  olivaceous  above,  paler  below;  no  dark  stripes  along 
the  rows  of  scales;  some  of  our  smaller  specimens  with  four  or  five 
faint  dusky  vertical  bars  on  sides ;  large  specimens  with  dusky  punctu- 
lation  on  sides,  but  no  trace  of  bars;  spinous  dorsal  with  black  mar- 
gin ;  all  fins  with  dusky  punctulations,  except  pectorals,  which  are  pale 
with  a  faint  dusky  bar  at  base;  anal  and  ventrals  greenish  yellow  in 
life;  snout  dusky. 

This  species  can  readily  be  separated  from  Diapterus  peruvianus,  its 
nearest  relative,  by  the  narrow  or  scaled  premaxillary  groove,  the  more 
concave  margin  of  the  dorsal  and  anal  fins,  and  the  fewer  gill-rakers. 
A  much  more  striking  character,  however,  is  found  in  the  air  bladder 
which  has  but  a  single  posterior  appendage,  while  that  of  D.  peruvianus 
has  two  posterior  appendages. 

Of  this  species  38  specimens,  ranging  in  length  from  75  to  300 
mm.,  were  preserved. 


APRIL  15,  1925.  FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    597 

Known  from  Florida  south  to  Brazil.  Our  specimens  are  from 
Toro  Point ;  Mindi  Cut ;  Mindi  Reef ;  Fox  Bay,  Colon ;  Colon  market, 
and  Porto  Bello. 

433.  Diapterus  peruvianus   (Cuvier  &  Valenciennes). 
Gerres  peruvianus  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  VI,  1830. 
467  (Payta,  northern  Peru)  ;  Evermann  &  Meek,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat. 
Sci.  Phila.,   1886,  266;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.   Sci., 
IV,  1904,  115;  Starks,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1906,  792;  Kendall 
&  Radcliffe,  Memoir.  Mus.  Comp.  Zool.,  XXXV,  1912,  118;  Fow- 
ler, Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1916,  410  (Panama). 
Gerres  brevirostris  Sauvage,  Bull.  Soc.  Philom.  Paris,  7  ser.,  Ill,  1879, 
208  (Rio  Guayas,  Ecuador). 

Head  2.9  to  3.3 ;  depth  1.9  to  2 ;  D.  IX,  10 ;  A.  Ill,  8 ;  scales  37  to  40. 
Body  short  and  deep;  anterior  profile  steep;  snout  2.95  to  4  in 
head;  eye  2.4  to  3.8;  preorbital  entire;  preepercle  serrate;  mouth 
rather  large;  the  maxillary  reaching  to  near  middle  of  eye;  premax- 
illary  groove  broad  and  always  free  from  scales ;  eye  longer  than  snout 
in  young,  about  equal  in  length  in  larger  examples;  gill-rakers  small, 
12  to  14,  including  rudiments,  below  angle  on  anterior  arch;  dorsal 
spines  high,  the  second  shorter  than  the  third  but  noticeably  stronger, 
3.05  to  6.3  in  body;  second  anal  spine  shorter  than  third,  but  very 
much  stronger,  4  to  6  in  body ;  margin  of  the  dorsal  and  anal  moderately 
concave,  soft  rays  moderately  elevated;  caudal  deeply  forked,  slightly 
longer  than  head  in  large  examples,  all  fins  proportionately  longer  in 
young;  pectorals  long,  reaching  slightly  past  origin  of  anal;  ventrals 
reaching  to  anal  opening  in  large  examples,  to  origin  of  anal  fin  in 
young;  second  interhaemal  spine  large,  spear-shaped,  with  a  ridge  in 
front  and  a  groove  behind ;  air  bladder  adherent,  cylindrical,  with  two 
long,  slender  appendages  at  the  posterior  end  that  extend  backward  on 
either  side  of  the  interhaemal  spines  to  last  anal  ray;  stomach  with  3 
caeca,  contents  plant  tissue  and  shells  of  molluscs. 

Color  silvery,  without  dark  stripes  or  bars;  large  specimens  with 
dusky  punctulations  on  sides;  all  fins,  except  pectorals,  with  dusky 
punctulations ;  spinous  dorsal  with  black  margin;  pectorals  pale,  with 
dusky  bar  at  base ;  ventrals  and  anal  yellowish  in  life ;  snout  dusky. 

Of  this  species  68  specimens,  ranging  from  80  to  300  mm.  in  length, 
were  preserved. 

Known  from  Mazatlan  south  to  Peru.  Our  specimens  are  from 
Miraflores;  Corozal;  tide  streams,  Balboa;  Panama  Bay,  Balboa; 
Panama  City  market,  and  Rio  Juan  Diaz.  Ascending  brackish  streams. 


598    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

434.  Diapterus  plumieri  (Cuvier  &  Valenciennes). 

Gerres  plumieri  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  VI,  1830, 

452,  PI.  CLXVII  (Porto  Rico;  Antilles)  ;  Gunther,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit. 

Mus.,  I,  1859,  340;  Evermann  &  Meek,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila., 

1886,  270;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII, 

1898,  1379;  Regan,  Biol.  Cent.  Amer.,  Pise.,  1907,  40;  Jordan  & 

Dickerson,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat  Mus.,  1908,  15. 
Gerres  embryx  Jordan  &  Starks,  in  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S. 

Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1898,  1379  (Charleston,  S.  C). 

Head  3  to  3.4;  depth  1.95  to  2.3;  D.  IX,  10;  A.  Ill,  8;  scales  36 
to  40. 

Body  short  and  deep ;  back  much  elevated ;  profile  convex  over  nos- 
trils, straight  over  eyes,  very  convex  at  nape ;  snout  3.2  to  4.3  in  head ; 
eye  2.4  to  3.1;  mouth  rather  large;  maxillary  reaching  from  slightly 
past  anterior  margin  of  orbit  to  near  middle  of  eye;  premaxillary 
groove  broad  and  free  from  scales;  preorbital  and  preopercle  serrate; 
gill-rakers  13  or  14  below  angle  on  anterior  arch;  margin  of  vertical 
fins  very  concave;  the  anterior  spines  very  much  elevated;  second 
dorsal  spine  enlarged,  longer  than  the  third,  equal  to  or  longer  than 
the  head,  2.25  to  3.4  in  length  of  body;  second  anal  spine  much  en- 
larged, longer  than  third,  a  little  shorter  than  second  dorsal  spine,  2.8 
to  4  in  length  of  body;  pectoral  fins  long,  reaching  to  or  slightly  past 
origin  of  anal  fin,  2.5  to  3.1  in  length  of  body;  first  soft  ray  of  ventrals 
with  a  short  filament,  fin  rays  reaching  almost  to  first  anal  spine,  i  to 
1.35  in  head;  first  row  of  scales  below  lateral  line  anteriorly  parallel 
with  it,  the  third  running  the  length  of  the  body,  9  rows  between  lateral 
line  and  base  of  ventrals ;  second  interhsemal  spine  spear-shaped,  much 
enlarged ;  air  bladder  fusiform,  tapering  somewhat  more  posteriorly 
than  anteriorly,  with  two  lateral  anterior  appendages  extending  for- 
ward to  cranium  at  sides;  stomach  with  3  small  caeca,  contents  mostly 
algae  (?)  and  a  few  pieces  of  broken  shells  of  molluscs;  peritoneum 
black  (one  stomach  examined). 

Color  in  life  dark  bluish  green  above,  silvery  below,  conspicuous 
dark  lines  along  the  rows  of  scales  on  sides;  dorsal  and  caudal  dusky, 
anal  and  ventrals  orange,  sprinkled  with  dusky  punctulations ;  pectorals 
pale,  with  little  orange  at  base ;  dorsal  with  black  margin ;  a  dark  supra- 
orbital  spot ;  snout  dusky. 

This  species  was  not  found  to  be  very  abundant.  It  is  represented 
by  13  specimens,  ranging  from  100  to  290  mm.  in  length. 

The  type  of  D.  embryx  was  not  seen  by  us.  A  study  of  our  series, 
however,  leads  us  to  believe  that  plumieri  and  embryx  are  identical. 


APRIL  15,  1925.  FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    599 

This  identity  has  already  been  pointed  out  by  Regan  (Biol.  Cent.  Amer., 

1907,  p.  40)  ;  also  by  Jordan  &  Dickerson   (Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

1908,  p.   15).     We,  however,  do  not  agree  with  these  authors  with 
respect  to  brasilianus,  which  we  find  to  be  distinct. 

Known  from  Florida  south  to  Panama.  Our  specimens  are  from 
Mindi  Cut  and  Porto  Bello. 

435.  Diapterus  mexicanus  (Steindachner). 

Gerres  mexicanus  Steindachner,  Verh.  Zool. — Bot.  Ges.  Wien,  XIII, 

1863,  383  (Rio  Teapa,  Mex.). 

"Head  4;  depth  2^;  scales  (6-43  to  45*-i2).  Closely  allied  to 
G.  plumieri,  the  body  longer,  the  scales  smaller,  the  second  anal  spine 
shorter,  ^  length  of  second  dorsal  spine  and  \y2  in  head;  second  dorsal 
spine  nearly  as  long  as  head  (much*  stronger  than  third  but  not  much 
higher,  3  in  body)  ;  pectorals  short,  as  long  as  head,  3%  in  body,  not 
reaching  anal  (4^  scales*  in  a  series  from  fourth  dorsal  spine  to  lat- 
eral line,  6  series*  between  first  dorsal  spine  and  lateral  line)  ;  preorbital 
and  preopercle  serrate.  Color  much  as  in  G.  plumieri,  but  paler.  Rio 
Teapa,  Mexico,  I  specimen  known  (Steindachner);  not  seen  by  us; 
apparently  distinguished  by  the  small  scales. 

"(*)  These  characters  in  parentheses,  not  in  the  original  descrip- 
tion, are  given  in  a  letter  from  Dr.  Steindachner,  date  August  3,  1895." 

The  above  description  and  note  are  copied  from  Jordan  &  Ever- 
mann  (Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1898,  1380.  This  species  was 
not  seen  by  us. 

436.  Diapterus  axillaris  (Giinther). 

Gerres  axillaris  Giinther,  Proc.  Zool.  Soc.  London,  1864,  152  (Chia- 

pam). 
Gerres  lineatus  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII, 

1898,  1377  (in  part). 

Head  3  to  3.4;  depth  1.9  to  2.1 ;  D.  IX,  10;  A.  Ill,  8;  scales  36  to  38. 

Body  short  and  deep,  much  compressed ;  anterior  profile  steep,  com- 
paratively straight,  a  slight  depression  over  orbits  and  gently  convex 
from  occiput  to  origin  of  dorsal;  ventral  profile  only  slightly  convex 
anteriorly;  snout  3.4  to  3.8  in  head;  eye  2.75  to  3.5 ;  mouth  but  slightly 
elevated;  gape  horizontal;  tip  of  upper  lip  below  level  of  lower  mar- 
gin of  eye;  preorbital  and  preopercle  serrate;  gill-rakers  14  or  15  below 
angle  on  first  arch ;  dorsal  and  anal  spines  moderately  elevated ;  second 
dorsal  spine  stronger  than  third,  equal  in  length,  3.4  to  4.8  in  length  of 
body ;  second  anal  spine  strong,  slightly  longer  than  third,  a  little  shorter 
than  second  dorsal  spine,  4  to  5.2  in  length  of  body ;  pectoral  fins  mod- 


600    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

erately  long,  reaching  to  the  vertical  from  a  point  about  midway  be- 
tween anal  opening  and  origin  of  anal  fin,  2.6  to  3.1  in  length  of 
body;  ventral  fins  reaching  slightly  past  anal  opening;  first  row  of 
scales,  below  lateral  line,  anteriorly,  parallel  with  it;  third  row  run- 
ning the  length  of  body;  9  rows  between  lateral  line  and  base  of 
ventrals. 

Color  silvery,  dark  streaks  along  the  rows  of  scales  on  sides ;  pec- 
torals pale,  other  fins  with  more  or  less  dusky ;  margin  of  dorsal  black. 

No  specimens  taken  at  Panama.  Specimens  in  the  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus. 
collection  are  from  the  west  coast  of  Mexico.  A  comparison  of  these 
specimens  with  two  specimens  from  Lake  Acapulco,  the  type  locality 
of  D.  lineatus,  reveals  the  fact  that  these  are  two  separate  and  distinct 
species,  and  not  identical  as  supposed  by  recent  authors.  D.  axillaris 
differs  from  D.  lineatus  in  having  the  body  more  compressed,  the  an- 
terior profile  steeper,  the  ventral  outline  straighter,  the  mouth  elevated 
and  the  gape  horizontal.  The  third  row  of  scales  below  lateral  line, 
instead  of  the  second  as  in  D.  lineatus,  runs  the  length  of  the  body. 
There  is  also  one  more  row  of  scales  between  the  lateral  line  and  the 
base  of  ventral  fin  and  the  gill-rakers  are  more  numerous. 

Its  nearest  relative  is  D.  brasilianus  from  the  east  coast ;  from  which 
it,  however,  differs  in  having  a  steeper  anterior  profile,  and  a  straighter 
ventral  outline,  the  mouth  being  lower  and  more  nearly  horizontal.  Its 
gill-rakers  are  more  numerous;  the  second  anal  spine  is  shorter  than 
the  second  dorsal  spine,  whereas  in  D.  brasilianus  it  is  longer  than 
the  second  dorsal  spine. 

Known  from  the  west  coast  of  Mexico.  The  above  description 
is  based  on  5  specimens  from  Mazatlan,  which  range  in  length  from 
1 20  to  200  mm. 

437.  Diapterus  brasilianus  (Cuvier  &  Valenciennes). 

Gerres  brasilianus  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  VI,  1830, 

458  (Porto  Rico;  Brazil)  ;  Evermann  &  Meek,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci. 

Phila.,   1886,  268;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.   S.  Nat.   Mus., 

XLVII,  1898,  1378;  Starks,  Leland  Stanford  Jr.  Univ.  Pub.,  Univ. 

Ser.,  1913,  48. 

Gerres  patao  Poey,  Memorias,  II,  1861,  320  (Havana). 
Gerres  plumieri  Regan,  Biol.  Cent.  Amer.,  Pise.,  1907,  40  (in  part)  ; 

Jordan  &  Dickerson,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1908,  15  (in  part). 

Head  3.1  to  3.3;  depth  1.85  to  2.05;  D.  IX,  10;  A.  Ill,  7  or  8; 
scales  38  to  40. 


APRIL  15,  1925.  FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.   601 

Body  compressed;  the  back  moderately  elevated;  anterior  profile 
from  tip  of  snout  to  occiput  nearly  straight,  with  slight  depression 
over  eyes,  from  occiput  to  origin  of  dorsal  gently  convex;  ventral 
profile  convex  anteriorly;  snout  2.9  to  3.6  in  head;  eye  3.1  to  3.6;  the 
mouth  elevated,  of  moderate  size;  maxillary  reaching  to  or  slightly 
past  anterior  margin  of  pupil;  premaxillary  groove  broad  and  free 
from  scales ;  preorbital  and  preopercle  serrate ;  gill-rakers  small,  9  to  10 
below  angle  on  first  arch;  vertical  fins  rather  low,  the  sheath  of  scales 
at  base  very  high ;  margin  of  dorsal  feebly  concave,  the  spines  low,  the 
second  the  strongest,  a  little  shorter  than  the  third,  4.65  to  5.3  in 
length  of  body;  the  second  anal  spine  very  strong,  a  little  shorter 
than  the  third,  but  slightly  longer  than  the  second  dorsal  spine,  4.7 
to  5.2  in  length  of  body;  pectorals  rather  short,  reaching  to  point 
about  midway  between  anal  opening  and  origin  of  anal  fin,  3.3  to  3.4 
in  length  of  body;  ventral  fins  reaching  somewhat  past  anal  opening, 
slightly  shorter  than  head ;  first  row  of  scales  below  lateral  line 
anteriorly  parallel  with  it;  the  third  row  running  the  length  of  body; 
9  rows  of  scales  between  the  lateral  line  and  base  of  ventrals. 

Color  silvery,  with  bluish  reflections  above;  a  conspicuous  dark 
streak  along  each  row  of  scales  on  sides ;  dorsal  fin  almost  wholly  black ; 
pectorals  pale;  other  fins  dusky;  a  dark  supraorbital  blotch  present; 
snout  dusky. 

One  specimen,  280  mm.  long,  is  the  only  one  of  this  species  taken 
by  us.  Two  specimens,  170  and  210  mm.  in  length,  from  Cuba,  belong- 
ing to  the  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.  collection,  have  also  been  examined.  One 
of  these  is  the  Gerres  patao  Poey.  It  agrees  with  the  other  specimens 
in  all  essentials. 

This  species  differs  from  Diapterus  plumieri  in  having  lower  vertical 
fins,  the  spines  being  much  shorter.  The  second  dorsal  spine  is  shorter 
than  the  third,  also  shorter  than  the  second  anal  spine.  In  Diapterus 
plumieri  the  second  dorsal  spine  is  longer  than  third,  also  noticeably 
longer  than  the  second  anal  spine.  The  pectoral  fins  of  D.  brasilianus 
are  also  much  shorter  and  the  gill-rakers  fewer.  The  dark  stripes  along 
the  rows  of  scales  are  little  less  conspicuous. 

It  differs  from  Diapterus  lineatns  in  that  the  third  row  of  scales  be- 
low the  lateral  line,  instead  of  the  second,  runs  the  length  of  the  body; 
there  is  one  more  row  of  scales  between  lateral  line  and  base  of  pec- 
torals ;  the  dorsal  and  anal  spines  are  shorter  and  comparatively  weak- 
er ;  the  pectoral  fins  are  much  shorter ;  and  the  gill-rakers  below  angle 
on  first  arch  are  one  or  two  fewer  in  number. 

Known  from  Cuba  to  Brazil.    Our  specimen  is  from  Porto  Bello. 


6o2    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

438.  Diapterus  lineatus  (Humboldt  &  Valenciennes). 

Smaris  lineatus  Humboldt  &  Valenciennes,  in  Humboldt  &  Bonpland, 

Rec.  Observ.,  Zool.,  II,  1821,  185,  PI.  XLVI  (Acapulco). 
Gerres  lineatus  Evermann  &  Meek,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1886, 

269;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1898, 

1377  (in  part). 

Head  3.1  to  3.25;  depth  1.95  to  1.97;  D.  IX,  10;  A.  Ill,  8;  scales 
36  to  40. 

Body  moderately  compressed;  anterior  profile  from  snout  to  occiput 
almost  straight,  with  slight  depression  over  eyes,  convex  from  occiput 
to  origin  of  dorsal;  ventral  profile  convex  anteriorly;  the  snout  ele- 
vated, tip  of  upper  lip  on  level  with  lower  margin  of  orbit;  snout  3.4 
to  3.6  in  head ;  eye  3  to  3.3 ;  the  gape  oblique ;  mouth  large ;  maxillary 
reaching  to  center  of  pupil;  premaxillary  groove  broad  and  free  from 
scales;  preorbital  and  preopercle  serrate;  gill-rakers  rather  small,  n 
below  angle  on  first  arch;  dorsal  and  anal  fins  rather  high,  the  sheath 
of  scales  at  base  rather  low;  spines  very  strong;  second  dorsal  spine  a 
little  shorter  than  third,  but  much  stronger,  4.25  to  4.5  in  length  of 
body ;  second  anal  spine  very  strong,  a  little  shorter  than  the  third,  also 
stronger  and  slightly  longer  than  the  second  dorsal  spine,  4.15  to  4.25 
in  length  of  body;  pectorals  long,  reaching  to  origin  of  anal,  2.7  to 
2.84  in  length  of  body;  ventrals  reaching  to  a  point  about  midway 
between  anal  opening  and  origin  of  anal  fin ;  first  row  of  scales,  below 
lateral  line,  anteriorly,  parallel  with  it,  extending  back  to  vertical  from 
anal  opening,  the  second  row  running  the  length  of  the  body,  8  rows 
between  lateral  line  and  base  of  ventrals. 

Color  silvery,  a  dark  streak  along  the  rows  of  scales  on  sides ;  dorsal 
and  caudal  more  or  less  dusky;  spinous  dorsal  with  black  margin. 

No  representatives  of  this  species  have  been  taken  at  Panama.  In 
in  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.  collection  are  2  specimens  taken  by  Captain  Dow 
in  fresh  water,  Lake  Acapulco,  the  type  locality.  The  above  description 
is  based  on  these  specimens.  They  are  respectively  200  and  225  mm. 
in  length. 

Known  from  the  west  coast  of  Mexico  to  Colombia. 

439.  Diapterus  brevimanus  (Giinther). 

Gerres  brevimanus  Giinther,  Proc.  Zool.  Soc.  London,  1864,  152  (Chi- 
apam)  ;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1898, 
J377;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  115;  Meek, 
Field  Mus.  Nat.  Hist.  Pub.,  Zool.  Ser.,  X,  1914,  121. 


APRIL  15,  1925.  FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    603 

Head  3  to  3.6;  depth  2.2  to  2.5;  D.  IX,  9  or  10;  A.  Ill,  8;  scales 
39  or  40. 

Body  compressed;  the  back  moderately  elevated;  profile  straight 
from  tip  of  snout  to  posterior  margin  of  orbit,  slightly  convex  above 
nostrils  in  young,  from  posterior  margin  of  orbits  to  pectorals  quite 
convex;  snout  3  to  3.75  in  head;  eye  2.5  to  3.7;  preorbital  and  pre- 
opercle  serrate;  mouth  large;  maxillary  reaching  from  anterior  one- 
fourth  of  eye  in  young  to  posterior  one- fourth  in  large  examples;  lips 
much  thickened,  especially  the  lower  one ;  snout  blunt,  projecting  be- 
yond the  tip  of  lower  jaw  in  large  specimens;  gill-rakers  short,  10  or  n 
below  angle  on  first  arch;  spines  of  vertical  fins  rather  low;  second 
dorsal  spine  a  little  shorter  than  third,  but  much  stronger,  i.i  to  1.35 
in  head ;  second  anal  spine  very  strong,  equal  to  or  a  little  shorter  than 
third,  equal  to  or  shorter  than  second  dorsal  spine,  1.18  to  1.35  in  head, 
4.2  to  6  in  length  of  body ;  pectorals  short,  scarcely  reaching  to  vertical 
from  anal  opening,  1.12  to  1.35  in  head;  ventrals  reaching  to  anal  open- 
ing in  large  examples,  to  origin  of  anal  fin  in  young;  caudal  deeply 
forked,  the  lobes  of  equal  length,  a  little  longer  than  head,  contained 
3  times  in  length  of  body;  first  row  of  scales  below  lateral  line  ante- 
riorly parallel  with  it,  9  rows  between  lateral  line  and  base  of  ventral. 

Color  grayish  above,  silvery  below;  conspicuous  dark  lines  along 
the  rows  of  scales  on  sides ;  spinous  dorsal  with  black  margin  in  young, 
the  black  extending  downward  to  near  base  of  fin  in  large  examples; 
pectorals  pale,  with  dusky  bar  at  base;  all  other  fins  with  few  to  many 
dusky  punctulations. 

It  is  represented  in  the  present  collection  by  4  specimens,  ranging 
in  length  from  60  to  265  mm. 

This  species  is  easily  separated  from  related  species  by  the  short 
pectoral  fins  and  the  thickened  lips. 

Known  from  Chiapam,  Guatemala,  south  to  Panama.  Our  speci- 
mens are  from  the  Rio  Chame,  Chame;  and  Rio  Mamoni,  Chepo.  We 
have  also  examined  several  specimens  from  Jesus  Maria,  Costa  Rica. 
It  runs  far  up  fresh  water  streams. 

440.  Diapterus  periche   (Evermann  &  Radcliffe). 

Gerres  periche  Evermann  &  Radcliffe,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XCV, 

I9I7>  93>  PI-  XVIII,  fig.  3  (Tumbes,  Peru). 

Head  2.94;  depth  2.2;  D.  X,  8;  A.  Ill,  8;  scales  39. 

Body  compressed ;  the  back  elevated ;  anterior  profile  convex  over 
snout,  nearly  straight  over  nostrils  and  eyes,  very  convex  at  nape ;  ven- 
tral profile  anteriorly  little  convex;  snout  2.8  in  head;  eye  3.6;  the 
mouth  slightly  elevated,  tip  of  upper  lip  below  lower  margin  of  orbit; 


604    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

the  gape  almost  horizontal;  mouth  rather  large,  the  maxillary  reaching 
to  anterior  margin  of  pupil ;  premaxillary  groove  broad  and  free  from 
scales;  preorbital  and  preopercle  serrate;  gill-rakers  12  below  angle 
on  anterior  arch;  outer  margin  of  dorsal  gently  concave,  the  spines 
strong,  the  second  the  strongest,  a  little  shorter  than  the  third,  4.7 
in  length  of  body ;  outer  margin  of  anal  concave,  spines  moderate,  the 
second  very  strong,  a  little  shorter  than  third,  also  shorter  than  second 
dorsal  spine,  5.7  in  length  of  body;  pectorals  of  moderate  length,  reach- 
ing to  a  point  about  midway  between  vent  and  first  anal  spine ;  ventrals 
reaching  well  past  vent;  first  row  of  scales  below  the  lateral  line  ante- 
riorly parallel  with  it;  the  second  and  third  rows  meeting  at  vertical 
from  first  anal  spine  and  continuing  from  there  as  one  row ;  8  rows 
between  lateral  line  and  base  of  ventrals. 

Color  in  spirits  silvery,  darker  above,  paler  below ;  conspicuous 
dark  lines  above  the  rows  of  scales  on  sides ;  pectorals  pale ;  all  other 
fins  more  or  less  dusky ;  spinous  dorsal  with  black  margin ;  snout  dusky. 

Here  redescribed  from  the  type  and  only  specimen  known,  265  mm. 
long,  from  Tumbes,  Peru.  It  is  most  like  D.  lineatus  from  which  it 
differs  in  the  scaling  below  lateral  line.  It  also  has  a  much  shorter 
second  anal  spine,  shorter  pectoral  fins,  one  more  dorsal  spine,  two 
fewer  soft  rays,  and  one  more  gill-raker  below  angle  on  first  arch. 

Family  LVIII.    Kyphosidae. 

THE  RUDDER-FISHES. 

Body  elongate  or  ovate,  compressed;  head  rather  short;  mouth 
small  or  moderate;  the  outer  teeth  in  the  jaws  incisor-like,  no  molars; 
teeth  on  vomer  and  palatines  present  or  absent;  opercle  entire;  gill- 
membranes  free  from  the  isthmus,  the  rakers  rather  long;  gills  4, 
a  slit  behind  the  f  outh ;  pseudobranchiae  well  developed ;  scales  small 
or  moderate,  usually  present  on  entire  body  except  snout,  ctenoid  or 
not;  dorsal  fin  continuous  or  divided,  with  10  to  15  spines;  anal  fin 
with  3  spines;  ventrals  thoracic,  with  I,  5  rays,  an  accessory  scale  at 
base;  pectoral  fins  without  spine.  Intestinal  canal  long,  usually  with 
many  pyloric  caeca;  air  bladder  present,  usually  with  2  posterior  horns. 
A  family  of  herbivorous  fishes,  feeding  largely  on  algae ;  most  of  the 
species  are  valued  as  food.  Two  genera  are  represented  in  the  Pana- 
ma collection. 

KEY  TO  THE  GENERA. 

a.  Body  rather  deep,  ovate;  each  jaw  with  rather  large  incisors 
on  outer  margin;  caudal  fin  broadly  forked,  the  lobes  not  pro- 
duced, and  not  much  longer  than  head.  Kyphosus,  p.  605. 


APRIL  15,  1925.  FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    605 

aa.  Body  elongate;  each  jaw  with  very  small  incisors  on  outer 
margin;  caudal  fin  very  deeply  forked,  the  lobes  produced, 
much  longer  than  head.  Sectator,  p.  609. 

163.  Genus  Kyphosus  Lacepede. 

Kyphosus  Lacepede,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  Ill,  1802,  114  (type  Kyphosus 

bigibbus  Lacepede). 
Pimelepterus  Lacepede,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  IV,  1803,  429  (type  Pime- 

lepterus  bosquii  Lacepede). 
Dorsuarius  Lacepede,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  V,  1803,  482  (type  Dorsuarius 

nigrescens  Lacepede). 
Xyster  Lacepede,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  V,  1803,  484  (type  Xyster  fuscus 

Lacepede). 

Body  ovate  or  elongate;  head  short;  snout  blunt;  mouth  small;  a 
row  of  incisors  on  each  jaw  and  a  narrow  band  of  villiform  teeth  be- 
hind them;  fine  teeth  on  vomer,  palatines  and  tongue;  branchiostegals 
7;  gill-rakers  rather  long  and  slender;  lateral  line  continuous,  present 
on  base  of  caudal;  scales  moderate  or  small,  ctenoid,  covering  most  of 
head,  the  vertical  fins  and  sometimes  most  of  the  paired  fins;  pyloric 
caeca  very  numerous ;  dorsal  fin  long,  continuous,  the  spines  not  gradu- 
ated, depressible  in  a  scaly  groove,  1 1  in  number ;  caudal  fin  forked ; 
anal  fin  with  3  short  spines,  the  soft  portion  similar  to  that  of  the  dor- 
sal ;  ventrals  inserted  behind  pectorals.  The  Panama  coflection  contains 
3  species,  2  from  the  Pacific  coast  and  i  from  the  Atlantic. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES. 

a.  Scales  small,  76  to  80  oblique  series  below  lateral  line;  dorsal 
fin  with  14  rays;  anal  with  13  or  14  rays.  analogus,  p.  605. 

aa.  Scales  moderate,  59  to  61  oblique  series  below  lateral  line; 
scales  on  base  of  caudal  abruptly  reduced  in  size;  dorsal  fin 
constantly  with  13  rays;  anal  fin  with  12  rays.  elegans,  p.  607. 

aaa.  Scales  rather  large,  55  to  57  oblique  series  below  lateral  line, 
scales  on  base  of  caudal  fin  not  abruptly  reduced  in  size ;  dorsal 
fin  with  12  or  13  rays;  anal  fin  with  11  rays,  sectatrix,  p.  608. 

441.  Kyphosus  analogus  (Gill). 

Pimelepterus  analogus  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1862,  245  (Cape 

San  Lucas). 
Kyphosus  analogus  Jordan,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1885,  380  (Mazat- 

lan ;  Panama)  ;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII, 

1898,  1385. 


606    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

Head  2.65  to  3.1;  depth  2.2  to  2.4;  D.  XI,  14;  A.  Ill,  13  or  14; 
70  to  80  transverse  series  of  scales  below  lateral  line. 

Body  rather  deep,  compressed ;  anterior  profile  evenly  convex ;  head 
rather  short,  not  longer  than  deep ;  snout  rather  blunt,  its  length  3.25  to 
3.65  in  head;  eye  3  to  3.9;  mouth  small,  terminal;  maxillary  reaching 
to  or  slightly  past  anterior  margin  of  eye,  3  to  3.1  in  head ;  teeth  rather 
large,  about  28  in  upper  jaw;  gill-rakers  rather  long,  about  15  on  lower 
limb  of  first  arch;  lateral  line  complete,  continued  on  base  of  caudal 
fin,  its  curvature  concurrent  with  that  of  the  back;  scales  ctenoid, 
present  everywhere  except  on  snout,  reduced  on  back,  head  and  chest; 
soft  parts  of  vertical  fins  completely  covered  with  small  scales;  dorsal 
fin  with  short  stiff  spines,  the  median  ones  the  longest,  scarcely  equal 
to  depth  of  caudal  peduncle,  the  soft  part  low,  all  of  the  rays  of  about 
equal  length,  somewhat  shorter  than  the  longest  spines;  caudal  fin 
forked,  the  lobes  subequal,  angulate;  anal  fin  with  3  very  short  stiff 
spines,  the  soft  portion  similar  to  that  of  the  dorsal,  but  slightly  higher ; 
ventral  fins  rather  small,  reaching  vent  in  specimens  145  mm.  in  length, 
to  origin  of  anal  in  very  young;  pectorals  short,  inserted  in  advance  of 
base  of  ventrals,  1.4  to  1.7  in  head. 

Color  in  alcohol  of  a  specimen  145  mm.  in  length,  dark  gray 
above,  paler  below ;  rows  of  scales  on  sides  with  pale  stripes ;  vertical 
fins  dark  like  the  upper  part  of  the  body;  ventral  fins  white  at  base, 
with  dusky  tips;  pectoral  fins  dusky  at  base,  elsewhere  plain  trans- 
lucent. The  young  of  40  mm.  and  less  in  length  are  very  dark,  with 
elongate  pale  spots  on  sides,  and  the  caudal  fin  is  colorless. 

We  have  n  specimens  of  this  species,  ranging  in  length  from  25 
to  145  mm.  This  species  is  readily  separated  from  K.  elegans  by  the 
notably  smaller  scales  and  by  the  slightly  longer  dorsal  and  anal  fins. 
In  K.  elegans  there  appear  to  be  constantly  13  rays  in  the  dorsal  fin 
and  12  in  the  anal,  while  in  the  present  species  there  are  14  rays  in 
the  dorsal  and  13  or  14  in  the  anal.  The  elevation  of  the  dorsal  and 
anal  fins,  an  alleged  difference,  appears  to  be  a  variable  character, 
upon  which  too  much  reliance  must  not  be  placed. 

Known  from  Guaymas  to  Cape  San  Lucas  and  from  Clarion  and 
Socorro  Islands.  This  is  the  first  authentic  record  of  the  species  oc- 
curring in  Panama,  if  Gilbert  &  Starks  are  correct  in  the  assertion 
that  all  previous  Panama  records  are  referable  to  K.  elegans.  Our 
specimens  are  from  Taboga  Island  and  Chame  Point.  The  Chame 
Point  specimens  were  sent  by  Mr.  Robert  Tweedlie. 


APRIL  15,  1925.  FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.   607 

442.  Kyphosus  elegans  (Peters).    (Plate  LXIV.) 

Pimelepterus  elegans  Peters,  Monatsb.  k.  Ak.  Wiss.  Berlin,  1869,  707 

(Mazatlan). 
Kyphosus  elegans  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII, 

1898,  1387;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904, 

116  (Panama  Bay);  Kendall  &  Radcliffe,  Memoir.  Mus.  Comp. 

Zool.,  XXXV,  1912,  118   (Acapulco;  Toboguilla  Island;  Panama 

Bay). 

Head  3  to  3.7;  depth  1.95  to  2.3;  D.  XI,  13;  A.  Ill,  12;  scales 
below  lateral  line  59  to  62. 

Body  rather  deep,  compressed;  anterior  profile  convex,  swollen 
between  the  eyes;  head  not  longer  than  deep;  snout  moderate,  its 
length  2.75  to  4  in  head;  eye  3  to  3.6;  mouth  rather  small,  the  lower 
jaw  slightly  included;  maxillary  reaching  to  or  a  little  past  anterior 
margin  of  eye,  3  to  3.25  in  head ;  teeth  flattened,  rather  strong,  about 
38  in  upper  jaw;  gill-rakers  slender,  14  to  17  on  the  lower  limb  of 
first  arch ;  lateral  line  extending  on  base  of  caudal  fin,  its  curvature 
concurrent  with  that  of  the  back ;  scales  ctenoid,  rather  deep  on  sides, 
wanting  on  snout,  abruptly  reduced  on  base  of  caudal;  soft  fins  all 
scaly  in  adult;  dorsal  fin  long,  the  spines  strong,  the  median  ones 
longest,  equal  to  or  longer  than  depth  of  caudal  peduncle,  the  soft 
part  anteriorly  slightly  elevated,  the  longest  rays  equal  in  length  to 
the  longest  spines;  caudal  fin  broadly  forked,  the  upper  lobe  slightly 
the  longer,  both  lobes  pointed;  anal  fin  with  3  short  strong  spines, 
the  soft  portion  similar  to  that  of  the  dorsal,  but  higher;  ventral  fins 
moderate,  failing  to  reach  vent  in 'adults,  reaching  to  or  somewhat 
past  vent  in  young;  pectoral  fins  rather  short,  inserted  in  advance  of 
base  of  ventrals,  1.3  to  1.7  in  head. 

Color  dark  grayish  brown  above,  paler  below;  rows  of  scales  on 
sides  with  pale  or  bronze  streaks;  posterior  margin  of  opercle  black; 
fins  colored  like  the  body,  except  the  ventrals  which  are  mostly  white. 
The  young  are  very  dark,  with  elongate  pale  spots  on  sides,  which  in 
this  species  are  more  numerous,  larger  and  more  distinct  than  in  K. 
analogue  of  similar  size. 

This  species  is  represented  by  22  specimens,  ranging  in  length 
from  12  to  340  mm.  It  is  a  common  species  on  the  Pacific  coast  of 
Panama  and  is  frequently  seen  in  the  markets. 

Known  from  Guaymas  to  the  Galapagos  Islands.  Our  specimens 
are  from  Taboga  Island,  Chame  Point,  Balboa  and  the  Panama  City 
market. 


608    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

443.  Kyphosus  sectatrix  (Linnaeus).     (Plate  LXV.) 

Perca  saltatrix  Linnaeus,  Syst.  Nat.,  Ed.  X,  1758,  293   (misprint  for 

sectatrix}. 

Perca  sectatrix  Linnaeus,  Syst.  Nat.,  Ed.  XII,  1766,  486. 
Chcetodon  cyprinaceous   (Broussonet)   Gmelin,  Syst.  Nat.,  I,  Pt.  Ill, 

1788,  1269  (name  only;  tropical  Atlantic). 
Pimelepterus  bosquii  Lacepede,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  IV,  1803,  429,  PI.  IX, 

fig.  i  (South  Carolina). 
Pimelepterus  boscii  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,   Hist.   Nat.   Poiss.,  VII, 

1831,  258,  PI.  CLXXXVII. 
Pimelepterus  bosci  var.  sicula  Doderlein,  Natur/  Sicil.,  Ill,  1883,  83 

1831,  264  (locality  unknown). 
Pimelepterus  bosci  var  sicula  Doderlein,  Natur.   Sicil.  Ill,   1883,  83 

(Gulf  of  Palermo). 

Cyphosus  bosqui  Jordan,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1884,  128. 
Kyphosus   sectatrix   Jordan   &   Evermann,   Bull.   U.    S.    Nat.    Mus., 

XLVII,  1898,  1387,  PI.  CCXIX,  fig.  559- 

Head  3.5  to  3.6;  depth  2  to  2.35;  D.  XI,  12  or  13;  A.  Ill,  n  ;  scales 
below  lateral  line  55  to  57. 

Body  rather  deep,  compressed ;  anterior  profile  convex,  somewhat 
swollen  between  the  eyes;  head  about  as  long  as  deep;  snout  moder- 
ate, 2.75  in  head;  eye  3.3  to  3.8;  mouth  rather  small,  the  lower  jaw 
included;  maxillary  reaching  nearly  or  quite  to  anterior  margin  of 
eye,  2.5  to  2.9  in  head ;  teeth  rather  large,  flattened,  about  35  in  upper 
jaw;  gill-rakers  slender,  16  or  17  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch;  lateral 
line  extending  on  base  of  caudal  fin,  its  curvature  concurrent  with  that 
of  the  back;  scales  large,  ctenoid,  not  abruptly  reduced  on  base  of 
caudal;  soft  fins  all  scaly  in  adult;  dorsal  fin  long,  the  spines  strong, 
the  median  ones  the  longest,  equal  to  depth  of  caudal  peduncle,  the 
soft  part  little,  if  any,  elevated  anteriorly,  the  longest  rays  not  longer 
than  the  median  spines;  caudal  fin  very  broadly  forked,  the  lobes  sub- 
equal,  not  strongly  pointed ;  anal  fin  with  3  short  spines,  the  soft  por- 
tion similar  to  that  of  the  dorsal,  but  higher  anteriorly;  ventral  fins 
failing  to  reach  vent  in  specimens  at  hand;  pectorals  moderate,  1.5 
to  1.6  in  head. 

Color  of  our  largest  specimen  (315  mm.)  in  life  dark  brown  above 
to  pale  brown  below ;  sides  with  blue  lines  and  purplish  reflections ; 
fins  all  dark  brown,  except  the  ventrals  which  are  largely  white. 

We  have  2  specimens,  respectively  260  and  315  mm.  in  length, 
which  we  refer  to  this  species.  The  affinities  of  the  Atlantic  coast 
species  are,  however,  not  well  understood  and  we  cannot  be  certain 


*     E 


APRIL  15,  1925.  FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.   609 

of  the  identification  of  the  specimens  at  hand.  We  have  compared 
our  specimens  with  others  from  North  Carolina,  Florida,  Bermuda 
and  Cuba.  Unless  there  is  much  variation  among  individuals  with 
respect  to  the  depth  of  body,  number  of  anal  and  dorsal  rays,  and 
the  number  of  scales  in  a  lateral  series,  there  must  occur  on  the  At- 
lantic coast  more  than  two  species  of  this  genus,  the  number  recog- 
nized in  current  works.  Our  Atlantic  specimens  differ  from  the  Pa- 
cific specimens,  K.  elegans,  in  the  slightly  larger  scales  which  are  not 
abruptly  reduced  on  the  base  of  caudal,  and  in  that  they  have  n  in- 
stead of  12  rays  in  the  anal  fin.  A  second  species,  K.  incisor  (Cuvier 
&  Valenciennes),  from  the  Atlantic  comes  within  the  range  of  the 
present  work,  if  Jordan  &  Evermann  (Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII, 
1898,  p.  1386)  are  correct  in  referring  K.  flavoline  (Poey)  to  that 
species.  We  are,  however,  unable  to  define  the  species  from  descrip- 
tions and  we  have  no  specimens  at  hand.  It  appears  to  differ  from 
K.  sectatrix  in  the  slightly  longer  dorsal,  smaller  scales  and  in  color. 
It  is  also  said  to  reach  a  much  larger  size,  attaining  a  length  of  3  feet. 
A  close  study  of  a  large  amount  of  material  from  the  Atlantic  would 
be  very  desirable. 

This  species,  as  here  understood,  ranges  from  Massachusetts  south 
to  the  West  Indies  and  is  now  for  the  first  time  recorded  from  Pana- 
ma. It  is  also  recorded  from  the  Canary  Islands  and  from  the  Mediter- 
ranean Sea.  Our  specimens  are  from  Toro  Point  and  Porto  Bello. 

164.  Genus  Sectator  Jordan  &  Fesler. 

Sectator  Jordan  &  Fesler,  Rept.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  XVII,   1889-91 
(1893),  536  (type  Pimelepterus  ocyurus  Jordan  &  Gilbert). 
Body  elongate,  compressed;  head  moderate;  snout  blunt;  mouth 
small ;  maxillary  scarcely  reaching  anterior  margin  of  eye ;  teeth  very 
small,  the  outer  series  incisors ;  caudal  fin  very  deeply  forked.    Other 
characters  as  in  Kyphosus.    A  single  species ;  known  only  from  Pana- 
ma Bay. 

444.  Sectator  ocyurus  (Jordan  &. Gilbert). 

Pimelepterus  ocyurus  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  I, 

1 88 1  (1882),  327  (Panama  Bay). 

Kyphosus  ocyurus  Jordan,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1885,  380. 
Sectator  ocyurus  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII, 

1898,  1389;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  116 

(Panama  Bay). 


6io    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

Head  3.95  to  4.05 ;  depth  2.65  to  3.15 ;  D.  XI,  15 ;  A.  Ill,  14;  scales 
78  to  81. 

Body  elongate,  tapering,  compressed;  anterior  profile  gently  con- 
vex, not  greatly  elevated;  head  moderate;  snout  short,  blunt,  3.5  to 
3.85  in  head;  eye  4  to  4.25;  mouth  rather  small,  terminal,  slightly 
oblique;  maxillary  scarcely  reaching  anterior  margin  of  eye,  3.6  to 
3.9  in  head ;  teeth  small,  flattened ;  gill-rakers  long,  about  20  on  lower 
limb  of  first  arch;  lateral  line  continued  on  base  of  caudal  fin;  scales 
rather  small,  ctenoid,  present  everywhere  except  about  the  mouth ; 
soft  fins  all  scaly  in  the  adult;  dorsal  fin  very  long,  continuous,  the 
spines  rather  slender,  and  more  or  less  flexible,  depressible  in  a  groove, 
the  median  ones  the  longest,  exceeding  the  length  of  the  snout,  the 
soft  part  low  and  densely  scaled ;  caudal  fin  deeply  forked,  both  lobes 
sharply  pointed ;  anal  fin  with  3  spines,  the  soft  portion  similar  to  that 
of  the  dorsal ;  ventral  fins  small,  reaching  only  about  half  the  distance 
from  their  base  to  origin  of  anal;  pectoral  fins  short,  1.55  to  1.7  in 
head. 

Color  light  olive-brown  above ;  pale  below ;  a  dark  blue  stripe 
along  back  from  nape  to  base  of  upper  lobe  of  caudal ;  another  broad 
blue  stripe  from  above  base  of  pectoral  to  base  of  median  caudal  rays, 
this  stripe  broadened  below  with  a  more  or  less  distinct  golden  stripe ; 
head  with  a  blue  stripe  from  snout  through  upper  margin  of  eye  to 
upper  angle  of  gill-openings,  a  second  blue  stripe  from  snout  through 
lower  margin  of  eye  to  margin  of  opercle;  fins  mostly  yellow;  ven- 
tral fins  largely  silvery;  pectorals  brownish  on  inner  side,  outside 
yellowish. 

Three  specimens,  ranging  from  250  to  270  mm.  in  length,  were 
secured.  Occasionally  seen  in  the  markets  and  valued  as  food. 

Known  only  from  Panama  Bay.  Our  specimens  were  purchased 
in  the  Panama  City  market. 

Family  LIX.    Sciaenidae. 

THE  CROAKERS. 

Body  more  or  less  compressed,  usually  moderately  elongate,  cov- 
ered with  rather  thin  scales ;  lateral  line  continuous,  usually  concur- 
rent with  the  back  and  extending  to  tip  of  caudal  fin;  bones  of  the 
skull  cavernous ;  chin  usually  with  pores,  sometimes  with  barbels ; 
teeth  in  the  jaws  in  one  or  more  series;  canines  often  present;  no 
incisors  or  molars  ever  present;  no  teeth  on  the  tongue,  vomer,  pala- 
tines or  pterygoids ;  maxillary  without  supplemental  bone ;  premaxil- 


APRIL  15,  1925.  FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.   611 

laries  protractile,  but  not  very  movable;  nostrils  double;  gills  4,  a 
slit  behind  the  fourth,  the  membranes  separate,  free  from  the  isthmus ; 
dorsal  fin  deeply  notched,  or  divided  into  2  fins;  the  soft  dorsal  long; 
anal  fin  with  not  more  than  I  or  2  spines;  ventral  fins  thoracic,  I,  5, 
inserted  below  or  somewhat  behind  the  pectorals.  Air  bladder  usu- 
ally large,  variously  developed  (wanting  in  Menticirrhus). 

Most  of  the  species  of  this  family  make  a  peculiar  noise,  supposed 
to  be  produced  by  forcing  the  air  from  the  air  .bladder  into  one  of  the 
lateral  horns.  From  this  noise  which  they  make  they  have  received 
the  name  Croakers. 

KEY  TO  THE  GENERA. 

a.  Preopercular  margin  with  bony  serrae  or  at  least  with  one  or 
more  spines. 

b.  Body  elongate ;  the  lower  jaw  with  one  or  more  barbels. 

c.  Lower  jaw  with  a  single  thickish  barbel  at  tip ;  anal  spines  2. 

Umbrina,  p.  613. 

cc.     Lower  jaw  with  a  row  of  small  barbels  on  each  side  along  the 
rami,  not  in  a  tuft  at  tip  of  chin.  Micropogon,  p.  616. 

bb.     Body  less  elongate;  the  lower  jaw  without  barbels. 

d.  Head  rather  broad  above,  interorbital  space  wide;  skull  ex- 
cessively cavernous,  spongy  to  the  touch.  Stellifer,  p.  619. 

dd.     Head  narrower;  the  skull  not  very  cavernous,  not  noticeably 
spongy  to  the  touch. 

e.  Gill-rakers   comparatively   long   and    slender;   preopercle   with 
its  lowermost  spine  directed  abruptly  downward. 

f.  Tip  of   lower  jaw   with  2   slender  canines;  preopercle  with 
rather  weak  serrae ;  second  anal  spine  small. 

Elattarchus,  p.  628. 

ff.     Lower  jaw  without  canines;  preopercle  strongly  serrate;  sec- 
ond anal  spine  moderate  or  large.  Bairdiella,  p.  629. 
ee.     Gill-rakers  short  and  thick,  the  longest  scarcely  longer  than 
the  greatest  diameter  of  the  posterior  nostril;  preopercle  with 
its  lowermost  spine  not  directed  abruptly  downward. 

Ophioscion,  p.  636. 

aa.     Preopercular  margin  with  a  membranous  border,  never  with 
bony  serrae  or  spines. 

g.  Upper  jaw  with  a  pair  of  very  large  canines  at  tip,  these  usu- 
ally curved  inward  and  backward ;  one  of  them  often  obsolete. 


6i2    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

h.  Canines  large,  lance-shaped,  widened  and  flattened  toward  the 
tip,  then  coming  abruptly  to  a  sharp  point,  with  a  cutting 
edge  at  sides,  precisely  like  a  lance.  Macrodon,  p.  646. 

hh.  Canine  teeth  not  lance-shaped,  tapering  gradually  from  the 
base. 

i.  Anal  fin  long,  not  much  shorter  than  the  second  dorsal,  com- 
posed of  17  to  20  rays.  Isopisthus,  p.  650. 

ii.  Anal  fin  small,  very  much  shorter  than  the  second  dorsal, 
composed  of  8  to  n  rays.  Cynoscion,  p.  653. 

gg.  Upper  jaw  without  large  canines  at  tip;  jaws  usually  without 
canines,  rather  small  when  present. 

j.       Lower  jaw  with  one  or  more  barbels. 

k.  Anal  fin  with  a  single  weak  spine;  lower  jaw  with  a  single 
stoutish  barbel  at  tip.  Menticirrhus,  p.  666. 

kk.  Anal  fin  constantly  with  2  spines ;  lower  jaw  with  a  row  of 
barbels  on  inner  edge  of  the  dentry  bones  and  a  tuft  at  the  tip 
of  chin.  Paralonc hunts,  p.  671. 

jj.     Lower  jaw  without  barbels. 

I.  Mouth  rather  small,  wholly  inferior,  horizontal ;  the  snout  pro- 
truding. 

m.  Body  oblong,  the  back  much  elevated  anteriorly,  tapering  rap- 
idly to  caudal  peduncle ;  second  dorsal  very  long,  composed  of 
38  to  41  rays.  Eques,  p.  676. 

mm.  Body  moderately  elongate,  the  back  not  greatly  elevated  an- 
teriorly; second  dorsal  moderate,  composed  of  22  or  23  rays. 

Sciana,  p.  679. 

II.  Mouth  large,  oblique,  or  even  vertical ;  snout  not  protruding, 
n.       Mouth  very  oblique  or  vertical,  the  lower  jaw  much  in  ad- 
vance of  the  upper. 

o.  Head  wide ;  skull  excessively  cavernous,  and  spongy  to  touch ; 
interorbital  space  very  broad;  eye  small,  8  to  10  in  head;  sec- 
ond anal  spine  very  small.  Nebris,  p.  680. 

oo.  Head  compressed;  skull  firm;  interorbital  space  rather  nar- 
row; eye  large,  2.9  to  3.9  in  head;  second  anal  spine  enlarged. 

Larimus,  p.  683. 

nn.  Mouth  less  oblique,  the  lower  jaw  little,  if  at  all,  in  advance 
of  the  upper. 

p.       Lower  jaw  with  canines.  Odontoscion,  p.  688. 

pp.     Lower  jaw  without  canines.  Corvula,  p.  691. 


APRIL  15,  1925.  FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.  613 

165.  Genus  Umbrina  Cuvier. 

Umbrina  Cuvier,  Regne  Animal,  Ed.  I,  II,  1817,  297  (type  Sciana 

cirrhosa  Linnaeus). 

Body  moderately  elongate;  the  back  more  or  less  arched;  head  ob- 
long ;  snout  thick  and  produced  beyond  the  mouth ;  mouth  horizontal  or 
nearly  so ;  preopercle  with  a  bony  margin  which  is  finely  serrate ;  chin 
with  a  single  short  and  thickish  barbel;  teeth  in  villiform  bands,  the 
outer  ones  in  the  upper  jaw  usually  somewhat  enlarged;  first  dorsal 
fin  with  10  spines;  anal  fin  with  2  spines,  the  second  one  more  or  less 
enlarged;  caudal  fin  lunate  or  truncate;  gill-rakers  present,  but  short; 
air  bladder  well  developed. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES. 

a.  Body  with  about  9  cross-bands;  no  prominent  streaks  along 
the  rows  of  scales  on  sides  and  back;  eyes  small,  3.8  to  4.65 
in  head.  c oroides,  p.  613. 

aa.  Body  without  cross-bands;  with  prominent  streaks  along  the 
rows  of  scales  on  sides  and  back ;  eye  larger,  not  more  than  3.8 
in  head. 

b.  Body  deep,  the  depth  2.7  to  2.96  in  the  length;  eye  large,  2.85 
to  3.2  in  head ;  scales  small,  7  rows  between  lateral  line  and  first 
dorsal  spine,  5  rows  between  base  of  pectoral  and  lateral  line; 
second  dorsal  with  29  to  33  soft  rays ;  anal  fin  with  8  soft  rays, 
the  first  one  the  longest.  dorsalis,  p.  614. 

bb.  Body  more  elongate,  the  depth  3.2  to  3.45  in  length;  eye  com- 
paratively smaller,  3.25  to  3.8  in  head;  scales  larger,  5  rows 
between  lateral  line  and  first  dorsal  spine,  4  rows  between  base 
of  pectoral  and  lateral  line;  second  dorsal  with  26  to  29  soft 
rays;  anal  fin  with  7  soft  rays,  the  second  ray  the  longest. 

xanti,  p.  615. 

445.  Umbrina  coroides  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes. 
Umbrina  coroides  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  V,  1830, 
187,  PI.  CXVII  (Brazil) ;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat. 
Mus.,  XLVII,  1898,  1466;  Fowler,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1916, 
404  (Colon),  and  1917,  133  (Colon). 

Umbrina  broussonnetii  Giinther,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus.,  II,  1860,  277 
(not  of  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes). 

Head  3.34  to  3.6;  depth  3.1  to  3.55;  D.  X-I,  24  to  25;  A.  II,  7; 
scales  46  to  50,  counting  transverse  series  above  the  lateral  line. 

Body  rather  stout,  compressed;  the  back  elevated;  the  anterior 
profile  convex;  ventral  outline  gently  convex;  head  rather  short,  com- 


614    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

pressed;  snout  long,  projecting  beyond  the  premaxillaries,  its  length 
2.85  to  3.3  in  head;  eye  3.8  to  4.65;  mouth  moderate,  inferior,  hori- 
zontal, the  maxillary  reaching  to  about  the  middle  of  eye,  2.7  to  3.1  in 
head ;  teeth  in  the  jaws  in  bands,  none  of  them  notably  enlarged ; 
pseudobranchise  well  developed;  gill-rakers  present,  5  or  6  on  lower 
limb  of  anterior  arch ;  preopercle  with  distinct  denticulations  on  its  bony 
edge;  scales  ctenoid;  spinous  dorsal  rather  high,  the  spines  weak  and 
flexible,  the  third  one  the  longest;  soft  dorsal  low,  the  anterior  rays 
the  longest;  upper  lobe  of  caudal  fin  acute  and  longer  than  the  lower 
rounded  lobe;  anal  fin  small,  the  second  spine  enlarged,  2.28  to  2.7  in 
head,  the  second  soft  ray  the  longest,  outer  margin  of  fin  convex ;  ven- 
tral fins  rather  small,  not  reaching  to  vent;  pectoral  fins  short,  not 
reaching  tip  of  ventrals,  1.4  to  1.55  in  head. 

Color  silvery,  darker  above;  faint  dark  streaks  along  the  rows  of 
scales;  sides  with  about  9  dark  cross-bars;  lower  part  of  sides,  from 
base  of  pectorals  to  base  of  caudal  fin,  with  numerous  dusky  punctu- 
lations;  the  fins  usually  all  more  or  less  dusky;  spinous  dorsal  with  a 
black  margin. 

Of  this  species  4  specimens  were  taken  during  May  in  1911,  rang- 
ing in  length  from  160  to  220  mm.  Although  a  close  watch  was  main- 
tained for  this  fish  during  the  three  months  of  our  stay  in  1912,  it 
was  not  again  seen. 

This  species  is  found  in  the  West  Indies  and  along  the  Atlantic 
coast  from  Florida  to  Brazil.  Our  specimens  are  from  the  Colon 
market. 

446.  Umbrina  dorsalis  Gill. 

Umbrina  dorsalis  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1862,  257  (Cape  San 

Lucas) ;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1898, 

1469;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  133. 

Head  3.1  to  3.5;  depth  2.7  to  2.96;  D.  X-I,  29  to  33;  A.  II,  8; 
scales  58  to  63,  counting  transverse  series  above  lateral  line. 

Body  deep,  compressed;  the  back  elevated;  anterior  profile  very 
convex  over  snout,  almost  straight  from  posterior  nostrils  to  origin  of 
first  dorsal;  ventral  outline  quite  convex;  head  rather  large,  strongly 
compressed;  the  snout  rather  short,  projecting  only  slightly  beyond  the 
premaxillaries,  its  length  3.6  to  4.1  in  head;  eye  2.85  to  3.2;  mouth 
inferior,  slightly  oblique,  rather  large,  the  maxillary  reaching  slightly 
past  posterior  margin  of  pupil,  2.2  to  2.6  in  head ;  eye  large,  much  larger 
than  in  U.  xanti;  teeth  in  the  jaws  in  bands,  the  outer  ones  in  the  upper 
jaw  somewhat  enlarged ;  gill-rakers  short,  from  6  to  9  on  lower  limb  of 
anterior  arch  more  or  less  developed ;  preopercle  with  teeth  on  its  bony 


APRIL  15,  1925.  FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.   615 

margin;  scales  strongly  ctenoid,  rather  small,  7  oblique  rows  of  scales 
between  the  lateral  line  and  first  dorsal  spine,  5  rows  between  the  base 
of  the  pectoral  and  lateral  line ;  spinous  dorsal  low,  the  spines  weak  and 
flexible,  the  margin  convex,  the  tips  of  the  anterior  spines  not  reaching 
the  tips  of  last  spines  when  the  fin  is  deflexed;  second  dorsal  fin  long 
and  low,  the  anterior  rays  the  highest;  caudal  fin  truncate,  the  upper 
lobe  acute  and  somewhat  longer  than  the  lower  rounded  lobe;  anal  fin 
short,  the  second  spine  enlarged,  1.95  to  2.35  in  head,  the  first  soft  ray 
the  longest,  the  outer  margin  of  fin  slightly  concave ;  ventral  fins  rather 
long,  not  quite  reaching  vent ;  pectoral  fin  small,  not  reaching  the  tips  of 
the  ventrals,  1.45  to  1.55  in  head. 

Color  greenish  brown  above,  silvery  below ;  conspicuous  dark  streaks 
along  the  rows  of  scales  above  and  on  sides;  numerous  dark  punctu- 
lations  along  side,  extending  from  below  base  of  pectoral  fin  to  lower 
rays  of  caudal  fin ;  the  fins  all  more  or  less  dusky ;  lower  fins  creamy- 
reddish  in  life. 

Of  this  rare  species  only  one  specimen,  140  mm.  long,  was  taken. 
Here  described  from  the  type  specimens  from  Cape  San  Lucas,  which 
range  from  80  to  100  mm.  in  length,  and  from  the  single  specimen 
secured  by  us. 

This  species  is  found  on  the  west  coast  of  tropical  America.  It  is 
recorded  from  Cape  San  Lucas,  Mazatlan  and  Panama.  Our  speci- 
men is  from  the  Panama  City  market. 

447.  Umbrina  xanti  Gill. 

Umbrina  xanti  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1862,  257  (Cape  San 

Lucas)  ;  Jordan  &   Evermann,   Bull.   U.    S.    Nat.   Mus.,   XLVII, 

1898,  1467;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  133. 
Umbrina  analis  Giinther,  Trans.  Zool.  Soc.  London,  VI,  1869,  426 

(Panama). 

Head  3.5  to  3.7;  depth  3.2  to  3.45;  D.  X-I,  26  to  29;  A.  II,  7; 
scales  54  to  67,  counting  transverse  series  above  lateral  line. 

Body  somewhat  elongate,  compressed ;  the  back  gently  elevated ; 
profile  very  convex  over  snout,  little  convex  from  posterior  nostrils  to 
first  dorsal  spine ;  ventral  outline  little  convex ;  head  rather  small,  com- 
pressed ;  snout  long,  projecting  beyond  the  premaxillaries,  its  length 
3.2  to  3.59  in  head ;  eye  3.25  to  3.8 ;  mouth  rather  small,  inferior,  nearly- 
horizontal  ;  the  maxillary  reaching  but  slightly  past  the  anterior  margin 
of  the  pupil,  2.7  to  2.85  in  head;  eye  small,  much  smaller  than  in  U. 
dorsalis;  teeth  in  the  jaws  in  bands,  the  outer  ones  in  the  upper  jaw 
scarcely  enlarged;  pseudobranchiae  well  developed;  gill-rakers  present, 
most  developed  in  the  young,  8  to  10  on  lower  limb  of  anterior  arch; 


616    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

preopercle  with  its  bony  edge  serrate;  scales  ctenoid,  5  oblique  rows 
between  the  lateral  line  and  first  dorsal  spine,  4  rows  between  the  base 
of  pectoral  and  lateral  line;  spinous  dorsal  low,  the  spines  weak  and 
flexible,  the  outer  margin  not  convex,  anterior  spines  reaching  slightly 
past  tips  of  last  spines  when  deflexed;  soft  dorsal  long  and  low,  the 
anterior  rays  the  highest ;  caudal  fin  truncate,  the  upper  lobe  acute,  the 
lower  one  rounded;  anal  fin  very  short,  the  second  spine  enlarged, 
1.85  to  2.6  in  head,  the  second  soft  ray  the  longest,  the  outer  margin 
convex;  ventral  fins  rather  short,  not  nearly  reaching  the  vent,  especi- 
ally in  large  examples;  pectoral  fins  very  short,  not  reaching  tip  of 
ventrals,  1.67  to  1.75  in  head. 

Color  greenish  brown  above,  silvery  below;  dark  lines  along  the 
rows  of  scales  on  back  and  sides ;  dorsal  fins  and  caudal  more  or  less 
dusky;  lower  fins  yellow  in  life. 

Of  this  species  19  specimens,  ranging  from  65  to  100  mm.  in  length, 
were  preserved. 

Known  from  Cape  San  Lucas  to  Ecuador.  Our  specimens  are 
from  Chame  Point,  Taboga  Island  and  Panama  Bay,  Balboa. 

166.  Genus  Micropogon  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes. 

Micropogon  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  V,  1830,  215 
(type  Micropogon  lineatus  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes  =  Perca  undu- 
lata  Linnaeus). 

Body  moderately  elongate,  compressed ;  the  back  somewhat  elevated ; 
preopercle  strongly  serrate;  teeth  in  the  jaws  in  villiform  bands,  the 
outer  row  in  the  upper  jaw  more  or  less  enlarged ;  lower  jaw  with  a 
row  of  minute  barbels  on  each  side;  gill-rakers  short,  thickish;  spinous 
dorsal  consisting  of  10  or  n  stoutish  spines;  anal  constantly  with  2 
spines,  the  second  strong,  of  moderate  length ;  lower  pharyngeals 
narrow,  separate,  with  sharp  conical  teeth. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES. 

a.  Outer  row  of  teeth  in  upper  jaw  little  if  at  all  enlarged;  spots 
on  scales  above  the  lateral  line  forming  continuous  streaks. 

b.  Scales  large,  5  or  6  in  a  vertical  series  between  lateral  line 
and  anterior  dorsal  spines,  47  to  54  in  a  horizontal  series  above 
lateral  line;  dorsal  rays  X-I,  20  to  23.  altipinnis,  p.  617. 

bb.  Scales  comparatively  small,  6l/z  or  7  in  a  vertical  series  between 
lateral  line  and  anterior  dorsal  spines ;  68  to  78  in  a  horizontal 
series  above  lateral  line;  dorsal  rays  X-I,  27  to  29. 

furnieri,  p.  618. 


APRIL  15,  1925.  FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.   617 

448.  Micropogon  altipinnis  Gunther. 

Micropogon  altipinnis  Gunther,  Proc.  Zool.  Soc.  London,   1864,   149 

(San  Jose  and  Chiapam,  Guatemala)  ;  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U. 

S.  Fish  Comm.,  II,  1882  (1883),  in  ;  Jordan  &  Eigenmann,  Rept. 

U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  XIV,   1886   (1889),  419;  Gilbert  &  Starks, 

Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  132;  Starks,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat. 

Mus.,  1906,  796. 

Head  3.15  to  3.55;  depth  3.1  to  3.58;  D.  X-I,  20  to  23;  A.  II,  8; 
scales  5  or  6-47  to  54,  counting  transverse  series  above  lateral  line. 

Body  rather  robust,  moderately  compressed ;  the  back  little  elevated ; 
profile  from  tip  of  snout  to  posterior  nostrils  very  convex,  almost 
straight  from  posterior  nostrils  to  origin  of  dorsal;  ventral  outline 
moderately  convex ;  head  rather  large,  slightly  compressed ;  snout  long, 
projecting  slightly  beyond  the  premaxillaries,  2.75  to  3.65 ;  eye  4.05  to 
6.2  in  head;  mouth  moderate,  inferior,  slightly  oblique,  the  maxillary 
reaching  about  to  anterior  margin  of  pupil ;  teeth  in  the  jaws  in  bands, 
the  outer  ones  in  the  upper  jaw  scarcely  enlarged;  pseudobranchiae 
present;  gill-rakers  rather  short,  14  to  16,  including  rudiments,  below 
angle  on  anterior  arch;  pyloric  cseca  7;  preopercle  strongly  serrate, 
with  large  teeth  at  its  angle  and  smaller  ones  above  these;  scales 
large,  ctenoid,  apparently  becoming  smoother  with  age;  dorsal  spines 
large,  ctenoid,  apparently  becoming  smoother  with  age,  5  or  6  in  a 
vertical  series  between  the  lateral  line  and  anterior  dorsal  spines ;  dorsal 
spines  rather  high,  the  third  and  fourth  the  longest;  soft  dorsal  of 
moderate  length,  with  a  low  scaly  sheath  at  base,  the  rays  gradually 
decreasing  in  length  posteriorly;  caudal  slightly  double  concave,  the 
longest  rays  just  below  middle  of  fin;  anal  fin  small,  constantly  with 
two  spines,  the  second  2.45  to  4.25  in  head,  becoming  proportionately 
shorter  with  age;  ventral  fins  rather  short,  not  reaching  tips  of  pec- 
torals, except  in  the  young,  the  outer  ray  with  a  short  filament;  pec- 
torals rather  long,  not  quite  reaching  vent. 

Color  silvery,  darker  above;  rows  of  scales  above  the  lateral  line 
with  dark  longitudinal  streaks;  besides  these  there  are  about  8  short 
oblique  bars  running  upward  and  backward,  crossing  the  arched  por- 
tion of  the  lateral  line ;  large  examples  with  numerous  dusky  punctula- 
tions  on  side  from  base  of  pectorals  to  base  of  caudal. 

This  species  is  here  described  from  our  specimens  from  Panama, 
which  range  from  80  to  590  mm.  in  length.  It  was  found  not  to  be 
very  abundant,  as  only  14  specimens  were  obtained. 


618    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

Known  from  the  Pacific  coast  of  tropical  America,  from  Chiapam 
south  to  Guayaquil.  Our  specimens  are  from  Chame  Point,  Balboa, 
and  the  Panama  City  market. 

449.  Micropogon  furnieri  (Desmarest). 

Umbrina  furnieri  Desmarest,  Prem.  Dec.  Ichth.,  1823,  22,  PI.  II,  fig. 

3  (Havana). 
fMicropogon  argenteus  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  V, 

1830,  218  (Surinam). 

Micropogon  undulatus  Poey,  Syn.  Pise.  Cub.,  1868,  325  (not  of  Lin- 
naeus). 

Micropogon  fournieri  Jordan,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1884,  37. 
Micropogon  furnieri  Jordan  &  Eigenmann,  Kept.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm., 

XIV,  1886  (1889),  418. 

Head  3.1  to  3.5;  depth  3.2  to  3.55;  D.  X-I,  27  to  29;  A.  II,  9; 
scales  68  to  78,  counting  transverse  series  above  lateral  line. 

Body  rather  robust,  moderately  compressed,  the  back  elevated ;  pro- 
file very  convex  over  snout,  straight  from  posterior  nostril  to  nape ; 
ventral  outline  from  snout  to  anal  opening  almost  straight;  head  mod- 
erately compressed;  snout  long,  projecting  somewhat  beyond  the  pre- 
maxillaries,  2.86  to  3.3;  eye  4.05  to  5.5  in  head;  mouth  rather  large, 
inferior,  almost  horizontal;  the  maxillary  reaching  to  anterior  margin 
of  eye  in  large  examples,  to  or  slightly  past  anterior  margin  of  pupil 
in  young;  teeth  in  bands  in  the  jaws,  the  outer  ones  little  enlarged; 
pseudobranchias  present;  gill-rakers  of  moderate  length,  12  to  15  be- 
low angle  on  anterior  arch ;  pyloric  caeca  7 ;  preopercle  serrate,  the 
teeth  at  angle  strong,  diverging;  scales  rather  small,  ctenoid,  6l/2  to  7 
rows  in  a  vertical  series  between  lateral  line  and  anterior  dorsal  spines ; 
spinous  dorsal  rather  high,  the  third  and  fourth  spines  the  highest, 
these  of  about  equal  length,  the  outer  margin  concave ;  soft  dorsal  long 
and  low,  with  a  low  scaly  sheath  at  base ;  caudal  slightly  double  concave, 
the  rays  just  below  middle  of  fin  the  longest;  anal  fin  small,  constantly 
with  two  spines,  the  second  2.7  to  4.8  in  head,  decreasing  proportion- 
ately in  length  with  age ;  ventral  fins  reaching  tips  of  pectorals  in 
young,  but  much  shorter  in  adult,  the  outer  ray  filamentous;  pectorals 
rather  long,  reaching  to  or  almost  to  anal  opening. 

Color  silvery,  darker  above ;  rows  of  scales  above  lateral  line  with 
dark  streaks;  besides  these  about  8  or  9  short  oblique  bars,  running 
upward  and  backward  across  the  arched  portion  of  the  lateral  line; 
sides  from  base  of  pectorals  to  base  of  caudal  with  dusky  punctu- 
lations. 


APRIL  15,  1925.  FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.   619 

This  species  is  here  described  from  a  series  of  29  specimens  from 
the  Atlantic  coast  of  Panama.  These  specimens  vary  in  length  from 
135  to  315  mm.  Nearly  all  of  them  were  taken  on  coral  reefs.  M. 
furnieri  is  distinguished  from  M.  undulatus,  a  more  northern  form, 
by  the  smaller  preopercular  serrations,  by  the  fewer  scales  in  a  verti- 
cal series  between  the  lateral  line  and  anterior  dorsal  spines  (M.  undu- 
latus has  8  or  9  and  M.  furnieri  has  6l/t  or  7),  and  by  a  difference  in 
the  shape  of  the  spinous  dorsal.  In  M.  undulatus  the  fourth  and  fifth 
spines  are  the  longest  and  the  outer  margin  of  the  fin  is  almost  straight. 
In  M.  furnieri  the  third  and  fourth  spines  are  the  longest  and  the  outer 
margin  is  notably  concave. 

This  species  ranges  from  the  West  Indies  southward,  probably  to 
the  coast  of  Argentina.  Our  specimens  are  from  Mindi  Reef ;  Fox 
Bay,  Colon;  Colon  Reef,  and  Colon  market. 

167.  Genus  Stellifer  Oken. 

Les  Stelliferes  Cuvier,  Regne  Animal,  Ed.  I,  1817,  283. 
Stellifer    (Cuvier)    Oken,   Isis,    1817,    1182    (type   Bodianus  stellifer 

Bloch). 
Stelliferus   Stark,   Elem.    Nat.    Hist.,    I,    1828,   459    (type   Bodianus 

stellifer  Bloch). 
Homoprion  Holbrook,  Ichth.  South  Carolina,  Ed.  I,  1855,  168  (type 

Homoprion  lanceolatus  Holbrook) . 

This  genus  is  allied  to  Bairdiella  and  Ophioscion,  from  which  it  is 
distinguished  by  the  remarkably  cavernous  construction  of  the  bones  of 
the  skull,  the  septa  being  reduced  to  the  thinness  of  the  walls  of  honey- 
comb; skull  usually  broad  and  somewhat  depressed  between  the  eyes. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES. 

a.  Preopercular  margin  with  I  or  2  spines  only ;  interorbital  space 
broad,  2.1  to  2.75  in  length  of  head. 

b.  Mouth  very  oblique,  large,  terminal  or  nearly  so ;  the  premaxil- 
laries  anteriorly  above  level  of  lower  margin  of  eye ;  maxillary 
1.75  to  2  in  head. 

c.  Preopercular  margin  with  a  membranous  border  and  only  one 
short,  weak  spine  just  above  the  angle;  eye  very  large,  3.4  in 
head ;  teeth  in  jaws  in  narrow  villiform  bands,  none  of  them 
especially  enlarged;  gill-rakers  17  or  18  below  angle;  D.  XI-I, 
19  or  20;  A.  II,  ii.  zestocarus,  p.  620. 

cc.  Preopercular  margin  with  two  strong  spines,  the  lower  one 
directed  downward  and  backward ;  eye  smaller,  3.8  to  4.9  in 
head ;  teeth  in  the  jaws  in  two  series,  the  outer  series  in  upper 


62o    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

jaw  enlarged;  gill-rakers  numerous,  27  to  30  below  angle;  D. 
X-I  or  XI-I,  22  to  25;  A.  II,  9.  oscitans,  p.  621. 

bb.  Mouth  almost  horizontal,  inferior;  the  snout  protruding;  the 
premaxillaries  wholly  below  the  level  of  the  lower  margin  of 
eye;  maxillary  2.4  to  2.7  in  head;  preopercular  margin  with 
two  strong  teeth,  the  lower  one  directed  downward  and  for- 
ward, fiirthii,  p.  622. 

aa.  Preopercular  margin  with  more  than  2  spines;  interorbital 
space  narrower,  2.6  to  3.2  in  head. 

d.  Mouth  horizontal  or  nearly  so,  inferior ;  the  snout  protruding ; 
the  premaxillaries  wholly  below  level  of  lower  margin  of  eye ; 
no  knob  at  chin. 

e.  Gill-rakers  long  and  slender,  numerous,  18  to  21  below  angle; 
preopercular  teeth  rather  small,  5  or  6  in  number;  D.  XI-I, 
22  or  23 ;  A.  II,  8  or  9.  colonensis  sp.  nov.,  p.  623. 

ee.  Gill-rakers  shorter,  12  or  13  below  angle;  preopercular  spines 
more  numerous,  8  to  10;  D.  XIV-I,  19  to  21 ;  A.  II,  n. 

illecebrosus,  p.  625. 

dd.  Mouth  quite  oblique,  terminal;  the  snout  not  protruding;  the 
premaxillaries  anteriorly  above  level  of  lower  margin  of  eye; 
a  small  knob  at  chin. 

f.  Preopercular   margin   with    3   diverging    spines    only;    mouth 
large;   maxillary   reaching   posterior   margin   of    eye,    1.75   to 
1.95  in  head;  eye  large,  3.3  to  3.85  in  head;  D.  XI-I,  or  XII-I, 
19  or  20.  mindii  sp.  nov.,  p.  626. 

ff.  Preopercular  margin  with  6  or  7  radiating  spines;  mouth 
small;  maxillary  reaching  posterior  margin  of  pupil,  2.25  to 
2.4  in  head;  eye  small,  4.4  to  4.75  in  head;  D.  XI-I,  or 
XII-I,  22  to  24.  ericymba,  p.  627. 

450.  Stellifer  zestocarus  Gilbert. 

Stellifer  zestocarus  Gilbert,  in  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat. 

Mus.,  XLVII,  1898,  1445  (Panama)  ;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir. 

Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  129,  PI.  XVIII,  fig.  37. 

Head  3.4  to  3.7;  depth  2.95  to  3.1 ;  D.  XI-I,  19  or  20;  A.  II,  n  ; 
scales  4-46  to  48,  counting  transverse  series  above  lateral  line. 

Body  rather  deep,  compressed ;  the  back  moderately  elevated ;  pro- 
file straight  over  eyes,  gently  convex  from  nape  to  first  dorsal  spine; 
ventral  outline  anteriorly  strongly  curved;  head  compressed,  deeper 
than  in  related  species,  the  bones  cavernous;  interorbital  space  rather 
wide,  2.4  to  2.7  in  length  of  head;  snout  short,  not  projecting  beyond 


APRIL  15,  1925.  FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.   621 

the  premaxillaries,  its  length  4.25  to  4.5  in  head;  eye  very  large,  3.35 
to  3.4  in  head ;  mouth  rather  large,  the  gape  oblique ;  the  premaxillaries 
anteriorly  about  on  level  with  middle  of  eye;  maxillary  not  quite 
reaching  vertical  of  posterior  margin  of  eye,  1.8  to  2  in  head;  pores 
and  slits  on  snout  and  lower  jaw  obsolete ;  chin  with  a  small  knob ; 
preopercle  with  a  wide  membranous  margin,  with  a  single,  short, 
blunt  spine  immediately  above  angle ;  teeth  in  the  jaws  in  very 
narrow  bands,  none  of  them  especially  enlarged;  gill-rakers  long  and 
slender,  about  17  or  18  below  angle;  pseudobranchise  small;  scales 
thin,  weakly  ctenoid;  vertical  fins  scaly;  spinous  dorsal  moderately 
elevated,  the  spines  rather  weak,  the  second  spine  only  slightly  stronger 
than  the  third,  much  weaker  than  in  related  species,  not  more  than 
Y$  as  long  as  the  third ;  soft  dorsal  high,  the  longest  -rays  not  much 
shorter  than  the  longest  spines ;  caudal  sublanceolate,  the  middle  rays 
produced,  only  slightly  shorter  than  head;  anal  spines  rather  weak, 
the  second  a  little  shorter  than  the  anterior  soft  rays,  1.75  to  2  in  head ; 
ventrals  moderate,  the  outer  ray  not  produced  into  a  filament  that 
projects  beyond  the  longest  rays;  pectorals  reaching  past  tips  of  ven- 
trals, as  long  as  head. 

Color  grayish  above,  silvery  below;  snout  and  sides  with  dusky 
punctulations ;  fins  all  more  or  less  dusky;  all  except  the  spinous 
dorsal  and  pectorals  margined  with  black;  upper  margin  of  eye 
black,  and  a  dusky  blotch  at  upper  anterior  angle  of  opercle;  lining 
of  gill  covers  dusky. 

Three  specimens,  varying  from  130  to  155  mm.  in  length,  were 
secured  and  they  form  the  basis  for  the  above  description. 

Apparently  a  rather  rare  species,  known  only  from  Panama  Bay. 
Our  specimens  are  from  Panama  Bay,  Balboa. 

451.  Stellifer  oscitans  (Jordan  &  Gilbert). 

Scicena  oscitans  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  I,  1881 

(1882),  312  (Panama). 
Stelliferus  oscitans  Jordan  &  Eigenmann,  Kept.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm., 

XIV,  1886  (1889),  393. 
Stellifer  oscitans  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII, 

1898,  1440;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  127. 

Head  3.5  to  3.7;  depth  2.8  to  3.3;  D.  X-I  or  XI-I,  22  to  25;  A.  II, 
9;  scales  5-49  to  55,  counting  transverse  series  above  lateral  line. 

Body  robust,  compressed;  the  back  somewhat  elevated;  anterior 
profile  almost  straight;  ventral  outline  rather  strongly  curved;  head 
broad  and  heavy,  flat  above,  the  bones  cavernous;  interorbital  space 


622    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

wide,  2.1  to  2.4  in  length  of  head;  snout  very  blunt,  scarcely  projecting 
beyond  the  premaxillaries,  3.6  to  4.6;  eye  3.8  to  4.9  in  head;  mouth 
large,  the  gape  oblique,  curved;  the  premaxillaries  anteriorly  on  level 
with  lower  margin  of  pupil ;  maxillary  reaching  past  posterior  margin  of 
eye,  1.75  to  1.85  in  head;  pores  and  slits  on  snout  and  lower  jaw 
obscure ;  chin  with  a  distinct  knob ;  preopercular  margin  with  two  strong 
spines,  the  upper  one  directed  backward,  the  lower  one  directed  down- 
ward and  backward ;  teeth  in  the  lower  jaw  in  two  irregular  series,  those 
of  upper  jaw  in  two  distinct  series,  the  outer  series  enlarged ;  gill-rakers 
long  and  slender,  about  24  the  diameter  of  eye,  numerous,  27  to  30  be- 
low angle;  pseudobranchise  small;  scales  moderate,  cycloid  on  head, 
elsewhere  ctenoid ;  vertical  fins  covered  with  small  scales ;  spinous  dorsal 
rather  low,  second  spine  stronger,  but  much  shorter  than  third,  1.85  to 
3  in  head  (varying  greatly  in  length  with  age)  ;  soft  dorssl  rather  high, 
the  longest  rays  only  slightly  shorter  than  longest  dorsal  spine;  caudal 
fin  rounded  or  sublanceolate,  the  middle  rays  produced,  equal  to  length 
of  head  in  young,  becoming  somewhat  shorter  than  head  in  older 
examples ;  anal  fin  moderate,  the  second  spine  large,  somewhat  shorter 
than  soft  rays,  1.3  to  1.9  in  head;  ventrals  moderate,  the  outer  ray 
produced  in  a  short  filament;  pectorals  long,  reaching  past  tip  of 
ventrals  to  vent,  as  long  as  or  slightly  longer  than  head. 

Color  bluish  gray  above,  silvery  below;  snout  and  sides  with 
numerous  dark  punctulations ;  dorsals  and  caudal  dusky;  other  fins 
with  dusky  punctulations;  ventrals  yellowish  in  life;  soft  dorsal  and 
anal  margined  with  black;  lining  of  opercle  dusky. 

This  species  is  here  described  from  9  specimens,  ranging  from  130 
to  220  mm.  in  length.  Three  of  these  are  of  the  present  collection. 
The  other  six  specimens  are  in  the  United  States  National  Museum 
collection. 

This  species  is  known  only  from  Panama  Bay.  Our  specimens 
are  from  Panama  Bay,  Balboa  and  the  Panama  City  market. 

452.  Stellifer  fiirthii   (Steindachner). 

Corvina  fiirthii  Steindachner,    (Sitzb.  k.  Ak.  Wiss.  Wien,  LXXII), 

Ichth.  Beitr.,  Ill,  1875,  26,  PI.  Ill  (Panama). 
Scicena  fiirthi  Jordan  &  Gilbert,   Bull.  U.   S.   Fish   Comm.,   I,   1881 

(1882),  315. 
Stelliferus  fiirthi  Jordan  &  Eigenmann,  Rept.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  1886 

(I889),393.    ' 
Stellifer  furthi  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XL VII, 

1898,  1441 ;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  127. 


•v. 


APRIL  15,  1925.  FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.   623 

Head  3.5  to  3.9;  depth  2.9  to  3.2;  D.  XI-I  or  XII-I,  22  to  25;  A. 
II,  9  or  10;  scales  4  or  5-46  to  53,  counting  transverse  series  above 
lateral  line. 

Body  rather  deep,  compressed ;  the  back  elevated ;  anterior  profile 
straight  or  slightly  convex  over  orbits ;  ventral  outline  anteriorly  evenly 
rounded ;  head  low  and  wide,  the  bones  little  cavernous ;  interorbital 
space  wide,  2.5  to  2.8  in  head;  snout  blunt,  projecting  beyond  the 
premaxillaries,  3.5  to  4.3;  eye  3.7  to  4.5  in  head;  mouth  moderate, 
inferior,  little  oblique ;  the  premaxillaries  about  on  level  with  lower  mar- 
gin of  eye ;  maxillary  reaching  nearly  to  posterior  margin  of  eye,  2.4  to 
2.7  in  head ;  pores  and  slits  on  snout  evident ;  no  distinct  knob  at 
symphysis  of  lower  jaw;  preopercular  margin  with  two  rather  strong 
spines,  the  lower  one  directed  downward  and  forward,  the  upper  one 
directed  backward  and  outward;  teeth  in  the  jaws  in  narrow  villiform 
bands,  the  outer  ones  in  upper  jaw  somewhat  enlarged ;  gill-rakers  long 
and  slender,  the  longest  about  %  diameter  of  eye,  19  to  22  below  angle ; 
pseudobranchias  present;  scales  moderate,  ctenoid;  vertical  fins  closely 
scaled;  spinous  dorsal  rather  low,  the  second  spine  stronger  than  suc- 
ceeding spines,  but  only  about  half  the  length  of  the  third  spine;  soft 
dorsal  moderately  elevated,' somewhat  lower  than  the  spinous  dorsal; 
caudal  fin  sublanceolate  or  rounded,  the  middle  rays  the  longest,  about 
equal  to  pectorals  in  length ;  anal  fin  moderate,  the  second  spine  strong, 
but  shorter  than  the  soft  rays,  1.75  to  2.4  in  head;  ventrals  rather  small, 
the  outer  ray  filiform;  pectorals  rather  long,  reaching  somewhat  past 
tips  of  ventrals,  as  long  as  head;  stomach  with  3  caeca;  air  bladder 
horned,  and  with  two  small  tubes  extending  from  anterior  horns  to 
first  anal  spine,  where  the  air  bladder  ends  in  a  sharp  point. 

Color  light  gray  above,  lower  parts  of  sides  silvery,  tinged  with 
pinkish  salmon;  all  fins  light  yellow;  soft  dorsal  with  a  narrow  black 
margin;  opercular  lining  dusky. 

Female  specimens  taken  in  February  have  the  ovaries  distended 
with  eggs.  This  species  is  here  described  from  18  specimens,  ranging 
in  length  from  140  to  190  mm. 

Known  only  from  the  Pacific  coast  of  Panama.  Our  specimens 
are  from  Balboa  and  the  Panama  City  market. 

453.  Stellifer  colonensis  sp.  nov.     (Plate  LXVI,  fig.  i.) 

Type  No.  81729,  U.  S.  N.  M. ;  length  125  mm. ;  Mindi  Reef,  Mindi, 

Panama. 

Head  3.1  to  3.35 ;  depth  2.9  to  3.1 ;  D.  XI-I,  22  or  23 ;  A.  II,  8  or  9; 

scales  4  to  5-48  to  56. 


624    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

Body  rather  robust,  compressed ;  the  back  elevated ;  anterior  profile 
straight  over  eyes,  convex  from  nape  to  origin  of  dorsal ;  ventral  out- 
line but  little  curved ;  head  short,  rather  low,  the  bones  conspicuously 
cavernous;  interorbital  space  not  depressed,  2.8  to  3.1  in  length  of 
head;  snout  blunt,  projecting  slightly  beyond  the  premaxillaries,  its 
length  3.6  to  4.5  in  head ;  eye  4.  to  5.5 ;  the  mouth  nearly  horizontal ; 
the  premaxillaries  wholly  below  level  of  lower  margin  of  eye;  maxil- 
lary reaching  past  vertical  of  posterior  margin  of  eye,  2.2  to  2.45  in 
head;  pores  and  slits  on  snout  and  lower  jaw  well  developed;  chin 
without  distinct  knob;  preopercle  with  5  or  6  short  spines,  the  lower 
one  directed  downward  and  backward,  the  upper  ones  small;  teeth 
in  the  jaws  in  villiform  bands,  the  outer  series  in  upper  jaw  enlarged; 
gill-rakers  slender,  about  2/$  diameter  of  eye,  18  to  21  below  angle; 
pseudobranchiae  present,  rather  small;  scales  ctenoid;  vertical  fins 
moderately  scaly;  spinous  dorsal  low,  the  spines  weak,  the  second 
stronger  than  the  third,  but  not  nearly  as  long,  2.5  to  3.3  in  head ; 
soft  dorsal  nearly  as  high  as  spinous  dorsal,  with  a  scaly  sheath, 
composed  of  one  row  of  scales  at  base;  caudal  fin  rounded  or  sub- 
lanceolate,  the  middle  ray  the  longest,  equal  in  length  to  head  in  very 
small  specimens,  but  notably  shorter  in  larger  examples,  equal  in 
length  to  pectorals;  anal  fin  small,  the  second  spine  moderate,  1.85 
to  2.4  in  head;  ventrals  short,  not  reaching  anal  opening,  except  in 
very  young,  the  outer  ray  produced  in  a  slender  filament;  pectorals 
moderate,  reaching  to  or  slightly  past  vent,  i.i  to  1.2  in  head;  stomach 
with  3  cseca;  air  bladder  with  two  horns  anteriorly,  connected  with 
the  main  body  of  the  bladder  by  a  small  tube,  tapering  posteriorly, 
coming  to  a  sharp  point  just  in  advance  of  interhaemal  spines. 

Color  uniform  grayish  above,  silvery  below ;  snout  and  sides  with 
dusky  punctulations ;  a  blotch  or  streak  at  upper  anterior  angle  of 
opercle;  vertical  fins  all  more  or  less  dusky,  with  a  narrow  black 
border;  ventrals  and  pectorals  pale,  the  former  with  dusky  tips; 
opercular  lining  with  dusky  punctulations ;  peritoneum  silvery. 

Of  this  species  42  specimens  were  preserved,  ranging  from  50  to 
140  mm.  in  length.  All  were  taken  near  the  Atlantic  terminus  of  the 
Canal,  and  most  of  them  on  coral  reefs. 

This  species  is  related  to  5*.  microps  and  S.  naso,  which  inhabit  the 
coasts  of  Guiana  and  Brazil.  It  differs  from  the  former  in  having  a 
deeper  body,  a  larger  eye,  larger  mouth,  narrower  interorbital,  nar- 
rower preorbital,  in  having  the  slits  and  pores  on  the  mouth  well  de- 
veloped, and  in  having  the  dorsal  rays  more  numerous.  From  5*.  naso 


APRIL  15,  1925.  FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.   625 

it  may  be  distinguished  by  the  shorter  head,  deeper  body,  larger  mouth, 
smaller  eye,  narrower  interorbital,  fewer  teeth  on  preopercular  margin, 
and  in  having  more  rays  in  both  the  dorsal  and  anal.  A  female  140  mm. 
long,  taken  in  April,  1911,  has  the  ovaries  well  distended  with  eggs. 

454.  Stellifer  illecebrosus  Gilbert. 

Stellifer  illecebrosus  Gilbert,  in  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat. 

Mus.,  XLVII,  1898,  1442  (Panama) ;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir. 

Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  128,  PI.  XVIII,  fig.  36. 

Head  3.2  to  3.4;  depth  2.9  to  3;  D.  XIV-I,  19  to  21;  A.  II,  n; 
scales  4-44  to  48,  counting  transverse  series  above  lateral  line. 

Body  rather  strongly  compressed;  the  back  elevated;  dorsal  and 
ventral  outlines  about  evenly  curved ;  head  rather  low,  slightly  depressed 
over  orbits;  interorbital  space  2.9  to  3.2  in  length  of  head;  snout 
blunt,  projecting  slightly  beyond  the  premaxillaries,  its  length  3.4  to  4 
in  head;  eye  4.15  to  5;  mouth  moderate,  inferior,  slightly  oblique; 
maxillary  extending  to  about  vertical  of  posterior  margin  of  pupil, 
2.45  to  2.64  in  head;  slits  and  pores  on  snout  and  lower  jaw  well 
developed,  no  knob  at  symphysis  of  lower  jaw;  premaxillary  wholly 
below  level  of  lower  margin  of  eye;  bones  of  the  head  moderately 
cavernous;  preopercular  margin  with  from  8  to  10  spines,  increasing 
in  size  toward  the  angle,  the  lower  one  directed  downward  and 
backward  or  abruptly  downward ;  teeth  in  the  jaws  in  villiform  bands, 
the  outer  series  in  upper  jaw  enlarged;  gill-rakers  of  moderate  length, 
the  longest  a  little  more  than  half  the  diameter  of  the  eye,  12  or  13 
(including  rudiments)  below  angle;  pseudobranchise  present,  well 
developed;  scales  rather  large,  cycloid  on  head,  elsewhere  ctenoid; 
vertical  fins  closely  scaled;  spinous  dorsal  rather  high,  the  second 
spine  stronger  than  the  third,  but  only  about  two-thirds  as  long,  2.1 
to  3.1  in  head;  soft  dorsal  rather  low,  the  rays  decreasing  in  length 
posteriorly;  caudal  fin  sublanceolate,  the  middle  rays  produced,  but 
slightly  shorter  than  head ;  anal  fin  rather  long,  the  spines  rather  small, 
much  shorter  than  the  longest  soft  rays,  the  second  2.7  to  3.5  in  head ; 
fin  spines  apparently  varying  greatly,  becoming  comparatively  much 
shorter  with  age ;  ventrals  small,  the  outer  ray  filiform ;  pectorals  long, 
reaching  past  tips  of  ventrals  to  or  nearly  to  vent,  i.i  to  1.3  in  head. 

Color  light  grayish  above,  with  silvery  reflections;  silvery  below; 
snout  and  sides  with  numerous  dark  points;  dorsal  and  upper  rays  of 
caudal  dusky;  lower  rays  of  caudal,  anal,  ventrals  and  pectorals  all 
yellowish;  dorsals  and  anal  with  black  margin;  outer  ray,  the  inner 
ray,  and  the  tips  of  all  the  rays  of  ventrals  white. 


626    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

This  species  is  here  described  from  4  specimens,  ranging  from  no 
to  200  mm.  in  length.  Dr.  Gilbert  and  associates  secured  3  specimens 
at  Panama  in  1896,  and  so  far  as  the  present  authors  know,  these, 
together  with  the  4  taken  by  them,  are  all  there  are  extant  to  date. 

Known  only  from  Panama  Bay.  Our  specimens  are  from  the 
Panama  City  market. 

455.  Stellifer  mindii  sp.  nov.    (Plate  LXVI,  fig.  2.) 

Type  No.  81730,  U.  S.  N.  M.;  length  120  mm.;  Mindi  Reef,  Hindi, 
Panama. 

Head  3.15  to  3.3;  depth  2.9  to  3.25;  D.  XI-I  or  XII-I,  19  or  20; 
A.  II,  8  or  9;  scales  5  or  6-52  to  56,  counting  transverse  series  above 
lateral  line. 

Body  compressed,  rather  deep;  the  back  little  elevated;  profile 
straight  over  eyes ;  ventral  outline  anteriorly  more  strongly  curved  than 
the  dorsal  outline ;  head  rather  deep,  compressed ;  bones  of  the  head 
notably  cavernous ;  interorbital  space  not  depressed,  2.6  to  2.9  in  length 
of  head ;  snout  short,  not  projecting  beyond  the  premaxillaries,  its  length 
3.6  to  4.2  in  head ;  eye  3.3  to  3.85 ;  the  mouth  terminal,  large,  more 
oblique  than  in  related  species;  maxillary  reaching  vertical  of  pos- 
terior margin  of  eye,  1.75  to  1.95  in  head;  premaxillaries  anteriorly 
on  level  with  lower  margin  of  pupil ;  pores  and  slits  on  snout  and  lower 
jaw  minute;  chin  with  a  small  knob;  preopercle  with  3  diverging 
spines  at  angle,  the  lower  one  directed  backward  and  downward;  the 
serrations  on  the  preopercular  margin  above  these  spines  extremely 
small,  visible  only  under  the  magnifying  glass  even  in  our  largest 
specimens;  teeth  in  the  jaws  in  very  narrow  bands,  none  of  them 
especially  enlarged;  gill-rakers  long  and  slender,  the  longest  about 
three-fourths  as  long  as  eye,  numerous,  19  or  20  below  angle; 
pseudobranchise  very  small;  scales  ctenoid;  vertical  fins  scaly;  spinous 
dorsal  rather  low,  the  second  spine  stronger  than  the  third,  but  not 
nearly  as  long,  only  about  two-thirds  the  length  of  third,  2.2  to  2.6  in 
head;  soft  dorsal  only  slightly  lower  than  the  spinous  dorsal,  the  rays 
decreasing  in  length  posteriorly;  caudal  fin  lanceolate,  the  middle  rays 
produced,  about  as  long  as  head;  anal  rather  small,  the  second  spine 
strong,  as  long  as  the  longest  soft  rays  but  not  projecting  beyond  them, 
1.5  to  1.8  in  head;  ventrals  short,  not  reaching  anal  opening  except 
in  the  very  young,  the  outer  ray  with  a  very  short  filament,  scarcely 
projecting  beyond  the  longest  rays;  pectorals  long,  reaching  past  tips 
of  ventrals,  as  long  as  head. 


APRIL  15,  1925.  FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.   627 

Color  grayish  above,  silvery  below;  upper  margin  of  eye  black;  a 
dark  streak  or  blotch  at  upper  anterior  angle  of  opercle ;  fins  all  more 
or  less  dusky ;  dorsals  and  caudal  with  a  narrow  black  margin ;  opercular 
lining  with  dusky  punctulations. 

This  species  is  represented  by  6  specimens,  ranging  from  60  to  120 
mm.  in  length,  in  the  present  collection.  One  was  taken  in  Fox  Bay, 
and  the  others  on  a  coral  reef  near  Hindi.  It  is  distinguished  from 
related  Atlantic  species  of  this  genus  by  the  shorter  snout,  the  oblique, 
terminal  mouth,  larger  eye,  and  by  the  fewer  and  weaker  teeth  on  the 
preopercular  margin. 

456.  Stellifer  ericymba  (Jordan  &  Gilbert). 

Sci&na  ericymba  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  I,  1881 

(1882),  311  (Panama). 
Stelliferus  ericymba  Jordan  &  Eigenmann,  Kept.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm., 

XIV,  1886  (1889),  394. 
Stellifer  ericymba  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII, 

1898,  1444;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  129. 

Head  3.3  to  3.6;  depth  2.8  to  3.1 ;  D.  XI-I  or  XII-I,  22  to  24;  A. 
II,  9  or  10;  scales  4-44  to  50,  counting  transverse  series  above  lateral 
line. 

Body  comparatively  deep  and  compressed;  anterior  profile  slightly 
concave  over  back  of  eyes;  ventral  profile  strongly  convex;  head 
rather  low  and  wide,  the  bones  cavernous;  interorbital  space  2.8  to  3.15 
in  length  of  head;  snout  bluntish,  not  projecting  beyond  the  premax- 
illaries,  its  length  4.1  to  5  in  head;  eye  4.4  to  4.75;  mouth  oblique; 
premaxillaries  on  level  with  lower  margin  of  pupil,  rather  large; 
maxillary  reaching  posterior  margin  of  pupil,  2.25  to  2.4  in  head ;  lower 
jaw  included,  with  a  knob  at  symphysis;  pores  and  slits  on  snout 
obscure;  preopercular  margin  with  6  or  7  radiating  teeth,  the  lower 
one  not  directed  downward  or  forward;  teeth  in  jaws  in  bands,  the 
outer  series  in  upper  jaw  enlarged;  gill-rakers  long  and  slender,  18  to 
20  below  angle  on  anterior  arch,  equal  to  about  two-thirds  the  diameter 
of  the  eye ;  pseudobranchiae  well  developed ;  scales  rather  large,  strongly 
ctenoid ;  vertical  fins  closely  scaled ;  spinous  dorsal  moderately  elevated, 
the  second  spine  much  stronger  than  the  succeeding  spines,  the  other 
spines  very  slender  and  flexible ;  soft  dorsal  low,  the  longest  rays  about 
two-thirds  as  long  as  the  longest  spines;  caudal  fin  sublanceolate,  the 
middle  rays  the  longest,  somewhat  shorter  than  head;  anal  fin  small, 
the  second  spine  strong,  as  long  as  the  soft  rays,  1.8  to  2.3  in  head; 
outer  ray  of  ventrals  with  a  filament;  pectorals  moderate,  i.i  to  1.4 


628    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

in  head ;  stomach  with  four  caeca ;  air  bladder  with  two  anterior  horns, 
tapering  posteriorly  and  coming  to  a  sharp  point  just  underneath  the 
skin  in  front  of  first  anal  spine. 

Color  bluish  gray  above,  silvery  below ;  everywhere  with  dark  points ; 
fins  all  dusky,  the  lower  ones  the  darkest,  all  with  numerous  dark 
points;  lower  jaw  black  within,  upper  margin  of  premaxillary  black; 
a  dark  blotch  at  upper  anterior  angle  of  opercle;  lining  of  opercle 
dusky;  peritoneum  pale  silvery. 

A  specimen  taken  on  January  19,  1912,  has  the  ovaries  well 
distended  with  eggs.  This  species  is  here  described  from  eight 
specimens,  including  three  of  the  types.  Our  collection  contains  5 
specimens,  ranging  from  140  to  155  mm.  in  length. 

Known  only  from  Panama  Bay.  Our  specimens  are  all  from  the 
Panama  City  market. 

168.  Genus  Elattarchus  Jordan  &  Evermann. 

Elattarchus  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Rept.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  XXI,  1895 
(1896),  397  (type  Odontoscion  archidium  Jordan  &  Gilbert). 
This   genus   differs   from  Bairdiella  in   the  presence   of    slender 

canines,  and  from  Odontoscion  mainly  in  the  serrate  preopercle,  which 

has  a  downward  directed  spine  at  the  angle.     The  second  anal  spine 

is  very  small.    Only  one  species  is  known. 

457.  Elattarchus  archidium  (Jordan  &  Gilbert). 

Odontoscion  archidium  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.    U.  S.  Fish  Comm., 

I,  1881    (1882),  317  (Panama). 
Bairdiella  archidium  Jordan  &  Eigenmann,  Rept.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm., 

XIV,  1886  (1889),  386. 
Elattarchus  archidium  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Rept.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm., 

XXI,  1895   (1896),  397;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat. 

Mus.,  XLVII,  1898,  1431 ;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci., 

IV,  1904,  125. 

Head  3.1  to  3.3;  depth  3.4  to  3.8;  D.  X-I  or  XI-I,  24  to  27;  A.  II, 
8;  scales  8-52  to  62,  counting  transverse  series  above  lateral  line. 

Body  elongate,  compressed;  the  back  scarcely  elevated;  anterior 
profile  with  a  slight  depression  over  eyes ;  head  compressed ;  the  cheeks 
vertical,  rather  deep ;  interorbital  space  3.4  to  3.8  in  head ;  snout  rather 
acute,  its  length  3.7  to  4.2  in  head ;  eye  4.1  to  4.6;  mouth  large,  terminal, 
oblique;  the  premaxillaries  anteriorly  on  level  with  about  middle  of 
eye;  maxillary  reaching  posterior  margin  of  pupil,  2  to  2.15  in  head; 
snout  and  chin  with  slits  and  pores  little  developed;  chin  with  a  small 


APRIL  15,  1925.  FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.   629 

knob;  preopercular  margin  serrate,  the  teeth  rather  weak,  becoming 
larger  at  angle,  the  lowest  tooth  strongest,  directed  downward;  gill- 
rakers  long  and  slender,  12  to  14  on  lower  limb  of  anterior  arch; 
pseudobranchise  well  developed;  teeth  in  the  jaws  not  in  villiform 
bands,  those  of  upper  jaw  in  two  series,  the  outer  series  enlarged; 
lower  jaw  with  a  single  series  of  slender  pointed  teeth;  tip  of  lower 
jaw  with  two  slender  canines;  scales  ctenoid;  lateral  line  almost 
straight;  the  spinous  dorsal  moderately  elevated,  consisting  of  slender, 
flexible  spines,  the  fourth  the  longest,  1.65  to  2  in  head;  second  dorsal 
low;  caudal  fin  truncate,  both  lobes  angulate;  anal  fin  very  small,  the 
second  spine  little  enlarged,  2.4  to  2.9  in  head;  ventral  fin  short,  not 
nearly  reaching  vent;  pectorals  short,  not  reaching  tips  of  ventrals; 
vertical  fins  with  scales  on  membranes  extending  more  than  half  way 
up  on  fins. 

Color  bluish  gray  above,  silvery  below ;  rows  of  scales  with  length- 
wise streaks;  sides  and  snout  with  dusky  punctulations ;  a  dark  blotch 
on  opercle  above,  upper  part  of  axil  black;  iris  bright  yellow;  spinous 
dorsal  dusky  with  black  tip;  other  fins  mostly  pale,  with  more  or  less 
dusky. 

This  species  is  here  described  from  10  specimens  from  Panama. 
The  present  collection  contains  six  specimens,  ranging  from  160  to 
200  mm.  in  length. 

Known  from  San  Juan  Lagoon,  near  Guaymas,  south  to  Ecuador. 
Our  specimens  are  from  the  Panama  City  market. 

169.  Genus  Bairdiella  Gill. 

Bairdiella  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1861,  33   (type  Bodianus 
argyroleucus  Mitchill  =  Dipterodon  chrysurus  Lacepede). 
Skull  little  cavernous ;  teeth  small,  in  few  rows ;  gill-rakers  slender ; 

preopercular  margin  strongly  serrate,  the  lower  spine  plectroid. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES. 

a.  Second  anal  spine  not  greatly  enlarged,  not  reaching  past  tips 
of  posterior  rays  of  fin  when  deflexed,  and  not  nearly  reaching 
base  of  caudal,  1.9  to  2.25  in  head. 

b.  Coloration  dark;  fins  all  black  or  dusky;  head  wide,  scarcely 
compressed ;  interorbital  space  3.2  to  3.5  in  head. 

chrysoleuca,  p.  630. 

aa.  Second  anal  spine  much  enlarged,  reaching  much  past  tips  of 
posterior  rays  of  fin  when  deflexed,  usually  reaching  nearly  to 
base  of  caudal,  1.25  to  1.75  in  head. 


630    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

c.  Head   short,   compressed,   3.5   to   3.7   in   length   in   specimens 
ranging  from  190  to  285  mm.  in  length ;  eye  very  large,  3.4  to 
3.7  in  head;  mouth  very  oblique,  terminal,  in  advance  of  the 
short  snout;  the  premaxillaries  anteriorly  on  or  above  the  level 
of  the  lower  margin  of  the  pupil ;  second  anal  spine  very  much 
enlarged,  reaching  base  of  caudal.  ensifera,  p.  632. 

cc.  Head  longer,  3.2  to  3.5  in  length  in  specimens  ranging  from 
190  to  285  mm.  in  length ;  eye  smaller,  3.9  to  4.5  in  head ;  mouth 
less  oblique  or  almost  horizontal,  inferior  or  subinferior;  pre- 
maxillaries anteriorly  below  level  of  lower  margin  of  pupil; 
second  anal  spine  somewhat  shorter,  not  quite  reaching  base 
of  caudal. 

d.  Mouth  horizontal,  or  nearly  so,  inferior;  the  snout  projecting; 
premaxillaries  anteriorly  much  below  level  of  lower  margin  of 
eye;  dorsal  spines  strong,  the  second  not  notably  stronger  than 
the  rest;  gill-rakers  rather  few,   10  to  12  on  lower  limb  of 
anterior  arch.  armata,  p.  633. 

dd.  Mouth  more  oblique;  the  snout  scarcely  protruding;  the  pre- 
maxillaries anteriorly  about  on  level  with  lower  margin  of  eye; 
dorsal  spines  weaker,  more  or  less  flexible;  gill-rakers  more 
numerous,  13  to  17  on  lower  limb  of  anterior  arch. 

ronchus,  p.  634. 

458.  Bairdiella  chrysoleuca  (Giinther). 

Corvina  chrysoleuca  Giinther,  Trans.  Zool.   Soc.  London,  VI,   1869, 

427,  PI.  LXVII,  fig.  i   (Panama). 
Scicena  aluta  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1881,  232  (La 

Union,  El  Salvador). 
Sciana  chrysoleuca  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  I,  1881 

(1882),  316. 
Bairdiella  chrysoleuca  Jordan  &  Eigenmann,  Kept.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm., 

XIV,  1886  (1889),  389;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci., 

IV,  1904,  127;  Starks,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1906,  793. 
Bairdiella  aluta  Jordan  &  Eigenmann,  Rept.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  XIV, 

1886  (1889),  389. 

Head  3.2  to  3.4;  depth  2.9  to  3.1 ;  D.  X-I,  21  to  23;  A.  II,  6  to  9; 
scales  5-51  to  57,  counting  transverse  series  above  lateral  line. 

Body  somewhat  elongate,  compressed ;  the  back  moderately  elevated ; 
profile  from  anterior  nostrils  to  nape  straight  or  slightly  concave; 
ventral  outline  rounded ;  head  robust,  almost  as  wide  as  high  at  eyes ; 


APRIL  15,  1925.  FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.   631 

interorbital  space  wide,  3.2  to  3.5  in  head;  snout  blunt,  projecting 
slightly  beyond  premaxillaries,  its  length  3.7  to  4.2  in  head;  eye  4.5 
to  5.15;  mouth  slightly  oblique;  the  premaxillaries  anteriorly  wholly 
below  level  of  lower  margin  of  eye ;  maxillary  reaching  to  about  posterior 
margin  of  pupil,  2.3  to  2.6  in  head,  lower  jaw  included;  slits  and 
pores  on  snout  and  chin  evident ;  preopercular  margin  strongly  serrate, 
the  tooth  at  the  angle  and  those  below  it  enlarged,  and  usually  directed 
downward;  teeth  in  the  jaws  in  villiform  bands,  the  outer  ones  in  up- 
per jaw  somewhat  enlarged,  those  of  lower  jaw  of  uniform  size;  gill- 
rakers  rather  short  and  slender,  12  or  13  on  lower  limb  of  anterior 
arch ;  pseudobranchiae  large ;  scales  strongly  ctenoid ;  vertical  fins  scaly ; 
first  dorsal  rather  low,  the  first  two  spines  strong,  the  rest  more  or  less 
flexible,  the  third  the  longest,  1.75  to  2  in  head;  second  dorsal  moderate, 
the  rays  decreasing  in  length  posteriorly;  the  caudal  fin  slightly  double 
truncate  or  rounded,  the  upper  lobe  more  or  less  angulate,  the  lower 
one  rounded,  the  middle  rays  the  longest,  equal  to  distance  from  snout 
to  preopercular  margin  in  our  smallest  examples,  somewhat  shorter 
in  our  larger  ones;  anal  variable,  the  second  spine  strong  but  rather 
short,  i  .9  to  2.25  in  head ;  ventrals  rather  short,  the  outer  ray  produced 
into  a  filament,  sometimes  almost  reaching  anal  opening;  pectorals 
rather  long,  reaching  past  tips  of  ventrals,  i.i  to  1.28  in  head. 

Color  brownish,  with  silvery  intermixed,  often  scarcely  paler  below 
than  above;  body  almost  everywhere  sprinkled  with  brown  dots; 
some  specimens  with  distinct  dark  streaks  along  the  rows  of  scales  on 
sides  and  back,  these  obscure  in  others ;  fins  all  very  dark  or  dusky. 

Our  collection  contains  4  specimens,  ranging  from  225  to  305  mm. 
in  length.  Besides  these  we  have  examined  a  specimen  from  Guayaquil, 
Ecuador.  We  find  a  great  deal  of  individual  variation  and  we  therefore 
here  include  B.  aluta,  which  has  been  known  only  from  the  type,  a 
specimen  240  mm.  in  length,  from  La  Union,  El  Salvador,  and 
which  was  evidently  destroyed  in  the  Indiana  University  fire.  It  was 
said  to  differ  from  the  present  species  in  having  a  larger  eye,  fewer 
scales  and  fewer  rays  in  the  dorsal  and  anal  fins.  Our  series  covers 
these  variations  with  the  exception  of  the  fin  ray  count  of  the  dorsal 
and  the  size  of  the  eye,  which  was  said  to  be  "about  4  in  head." 
Counting  the  transverse  series  of  scales  below  the  lateral  line,  we  get 
a  variation  of  from  44  to  51  in  the  specimens  before  us. 

Known  from  the  Pacific  coast  of  tropical  America  from  La  Union, 
El  Salvador,  south  to  Guayaquil,  Ecuador.  Our  specimens  are  from 
Panama  Bay,  Balboa  and  the  Panama  City  market. 


632    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

459.  Bairdiella  ensifera  (Jordan  &  Gilbert). 

Scicena  ensifera  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  I,  1881 
(1882),  313  (Panama;  Punta  Arenas). 

Corvina  fulgens  Vaillant  &  Bocourt,  Miss.  Sci.  Mex.,  etc.,  Pt.  IV, 
1883,  164,  PI.  VI,  figs.  2,  2a,  2b,  2c,  2d  (La  Union,  Mexico). 

Bairdiella  ensifera  Jordan  &  Eigenmann,  Rept.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm., 
XIV,  1886  (1889),  387;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci., 
IV,  1904,  126. 

Head  3.5  to  3.7;  depth  2.8  to  3.2;  D.  X-I,  22  to  24;  A.  II,  8  or  9; 
scales  8-58  to  66,  counting  transverse  series  above  lateral  line. 

Body  compressed,  moderately  elongate ;  the  back  elevated ;  anterior 
profile  with  a  slight  depression  over  the  eyes ;  ventral  outline  anteriorly 
strongly  rounded ;  head  compressed,  the  interorbital  space  rather  narrow, 
4  to  4.65  in  length  of  head;  snout  short,  not  projecting  beyond  the 
premaxillaries,  its  length  4.3  to  4.7  in  head;  eye  3.3  to  3.7;  preorbital 
very  narrow,  about  the  width  of  the  pupil;  mouth  very  oblique;  the 
premaxillaries  anteriorly  on  level  of  middle  to  upper  margin  of  pupil ; 
maxillary  reaching  from  middle  of  eye  to  slightly  past  posterior  margin 
of  pupil,  2.1  to  2.3  in  head;  pores  and  slits  on  snout  and  chin  evident; 
preopercular  margin  strongly  serrate,  the  teeth  at  angle  enlarged, 
diverging,  the  lower  one  directed  downward  and  forward;  teeth  in  the 
jaws  in  few  series,  the  outer  ones  in  the  upper  jaw  and  the  inner  ones 
in  the  lower  jaw  somewhat  enlarged ;  gill-rakers  long  and  rather  slender, 
15  or  1 6  on  lower  limb  of  anterior  arch;  pseudobranchiae  present;  scales 
ctenoid ;  spinous  dorsal  rather  high,  the  spines  rather  strong,  the  second 
one  strong,  but  scarcely  half  as  long  as  the  third,  the  fourth  the 
longest,  1.45  to  1.75  in  head;  soft  dorsal  moderately  scaly  at  base,  the 
rays  decreasing  rapidly  in  length  posteriorly ;  caudal  truncate,  the  upper 
lobe  angulate,  the  lower  one  slightly  rounded,  the  middle  rays  scarcely 
longer  than  those  of  upper  lobe ;  anal  fin  rather  large,  the  second  spine 
very  long  and  strong,  reaching  to  or  very  nearly  to  base  of  caudal  when 
deflexed,  1.25  to  1.38  in  head;  ventrals  very  long,  usually  reaching 
almost  to  vent;  pectorals  short,  not  reaching  tips  of  ventrals,  1.2  to 
i  .3  in  head. 

Color  bluish  gray  above,  silvery  below;  a  black  axillary  spot  and 
a  bluish  blotch  at  upper  anterior  angle  of  opercle ;  sides  and  snout  with 
dusky  punctulations ;  spinous  dorsal  blackish;  soft  dorsal  and  caudal 
dusky  yellow,  with  black  margin;  anal  with  base  and  anterior  rays 
yellow,  sometimes  also  with  dusky  punctulations,  tips  of  posterior  rays 
white ;  ventrals  and  pectorals  yellowish. 


o  g 


5  E 


APRIL  15,  1925.  FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.   633 

Of  this  species  6  specimens  were  preserved,  ranging  from  195  to 
265  mm.  in  length.  It  may  be  separated  from  B.  icistia,  which  is 
known  from  the  west  coast  of  Mexico  and  which  it  resembles,  by 
the  more  oblique  mouth,  fewer  dorsal  rays,  stronger  dorsal  spines  and 
by  the  longer  second  anal  spine. 

Known  from  the  Pacific  coast  of  tropical  America,  from  La  Union, 
Mexico,  south  to  Guayaquil,  Ecuador.  Our  specimens  are  from  Pan- 
ama Bay,  Balboa,  and  the  Panama  City  market. 

460.  Bairdiella  armata  Gill.  (Plate  LXVII,  fig.  i.) 
Bairdiella  armata  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1863,  164  (west 
coast  of  Central  America)  ;  Jordan  &  Eigenmann,  Rept.  U.  S.  Fish 
Comm.,  XIV,  1886  (1889),  388  (in  part,  not  of  Gill)  ;  Jordan  & 
Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1898,  1436;  Gilbert  & 
Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  126. 

Corvina  armata  Giinther,  Trans.  Zool.  Soc.  London,  VI,  1869,  428. 
Corvina  acutirostris  Steindachner,  (Sitzb.  k.  Ak.  Wiss.  Wien,  LXXII) 

Ichth.  Beitr.,  Ill,  1875,  28,  PL  IV  (Panama). 

Bairdiella  ronchus  Fowler,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1916,  410  (Pan- 
ama; not  of  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes). 

Head  3.2  to  3.4;  depth  2.75  to  3.1;  D.  X-I,  21  to  23;  A.  II,  9; 
scales  6-52  to  60,  counting  transverse  series  above  lateral  line. 

Body  compressed ;  the  back  elevated ;  the  anterior  profile  steep, 
straight  from  snout  to  nape;  ventral  outline  anteriorly  straight;  head 
compressed ;  the  interorbital  space  slightly  wider  than  eye,  4  to  4.75 
in  length  of  head;  snout  low  and  sharp,  projecting  somewhat  beyond 
the  premaxillaries,  its  length  3.65  to  4  in  head ;  eye  3.65  to  4.2 ;  mouth 
rather  large,  horizontal ;  the  premaxillaries  anteriorly  wholly  below 
the  level  of  the  lower  margin  of  eye;  maxillary  reaching  to  or 
slightly  past  posterior  margin  of  pupil,  2.4  to  2.8  in  head ;  pores  and 
slits  on  snout  and  lower  jaw  well  developed;  preopercular  margin 
strongly  serrate,  the  spines  strongest  at  angle,  the  lower  one  directed 
downward  and  forward;  teeth  in  the  jaws  in  bands,  the  outer  ones 
in  upper  jaw  and  the  inner  ones  in  lower  jaw  somewhat  enlarged 
(In  some  specimens  the  teeth  in  lower  jaw  are  of  uniform  size)  ; 
gill-rakers  rather  long  and  slender,  rather  few  in  number,  10  or  12 
on  lower  limb  of  anterior  arch ;  pseudobranchiae  present ;  scales 
ctenoid ;  stomach  with  5  caeca,  contents  mainly  Crustacea ;  air  bladder 
with  2  anterior  horns,  ending  in  a  sharp  point  posteriorly;  vertical 
fins  more  or  less  scaly ;  spinous  dorsal  moderately  elevated,  the  spines 
all  strong,  the  anterior  ones  not  notably  stronger  than  the  rest;  soft 


634    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

dorsal  moderate,  the  rays  decreasing  in  length  posteriorly;  caudal  fin 
truncate,  the  upper  lobe  slightly  angulate,  the  lower  rounded,  the 
middle  rays  slightly  produced;  anal  rather  large,  the  second  spine 
very  much  enlarged,  but  not  reaching  past  tips  of  longest  rays,  nearly 
reaching  base  of  caudal  when  deflexed,  1.3  to  1.65  in  head;  ventrals 
long,  reaching  to  or  nearly  to  anal  opening;  pectorals  rather  short, 
not  reaching  tip  of  ventrals,  1.3  to  1.45  in  head. 

Color  bluish  gray  above,  silvery  below;  sides  with  dusky  punctu- 
lations ;  fins  all  yellowish ;  ventrals,  pectorals  and  caudal  orange ;  tips 
of  spinous  dorsal  black;  soft  dorsal  and  caudal  with  a  dark  margin; 
peritoneum  silvery. 

Our  collection  contains  4  specimens,  ranging  from  150  to  225  mm. 
in  length.  The  above  description  is  based  on  these  and  on  several 
specimens  from  the  United  States  National  Museum  collection. 

This  species  is  found  on  the  Pacific  coast  of  tropical  America, 
from  Lower  California  south  to  Panama.  Our  specimens  are  from 
Panama  Bay,  Balboa. 

461.  Bairdiella  ronchus  (Cuvier  &  Valenciennes).     (Plate  LXVII, 

fig.  2.) 
Corvina  ronchus  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  V,  1830, 

107  (Maracaibo;  Surinam). 
Bairdiella  ronchus  Poey,  Syn.  Pise.  Cub.,  1868,  334;  Fowler,  Proc.  Ac. 

Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1917,  133  (Colon). 
Corvina  (Homoprion)  acutirostris  Steindachner,  Denkschr.  Ak.  Wiss. 

Wien,  XLI,  1878,  9. 

Sciana  ronchus  Jordan,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1886,  44. 
Bairdiella  armata  Jordan  &  Eigenmann,  Kept.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  XIV, 

1886  (1889),  388  (in  part). 
Bairdiella  verce-crucis  Jordan  &  Dickerson,  Proc.  U.   S.   Nat.  Mus., 

1908,  16,  fig.  i  (Vera  Cruz). 

Head  3.2  to  3.5 ;  depth  2.8  to  3.5 ;  D.  X-I,  22  to  25 ;  A.  II,  8  or  9 ; 
scales  7-54  to  66,  counting  transverse  series  above  lateral  line. 

Body  oblong,  compressed;  the  back  elevated;  anterior  profile  gently 
convex  in  young,  becoming  concave  over  eyes  in  large  examples ; 
ventral  outline  anteriorly  rounded ;  head  compressed ;  the  interorbital 
space  somewhat  wider  than  eye,  3.8  to  4.6  in  length  of  head;  snout 
short  and  rather  blunt,  usually  projecting  slightly  beyond  premaxil- 
laries,  its  length  3.65  to  4.2  in  head ;  eye  3.3  to  4.7 ;  mouth  rather  large, 
somewhat  oblique;  the  premaxillaries  anteriorly  on  level  with  lower 
margin  of  eye;  maxillary  reaching  about  to  posterior  margin  of  pupil, 


APRIL  15,  1925.  FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    635 

2.1  to  2.5  in  head;  pores  and  slits  on  snout  and  lower  jaw  evident; 
preopercular  margin  strongly  serrate,  the  teeth  becoming  stronger  at 
angle,  the  lower  one  directed  downward;  teeth  in  the  jaws  in  bands, 
the  outer  ones  in  upper  jaw  and  the  inner  ones  in  lower  jaw  enlarged; 
band  in  the  lower  jaw  varying  somewhat  in  width,  often  becoming 
very  narrow  at  sides,  but  the  teeth  never  in  two  distinct  rows;  gill- 
rakers  rather  slender,  13  to  16  developed  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch; 
pseudobranchiae  present ;  scales  ctenoid ;  stomach  with  4  caeca ;  air 
bladder  with  2  horns  anteriorly,  tapering  posteriorly,  coming  to  a 
sharp  point  just  underneath  skin  in  front  of  first  anal  spine;  vertical 
fins  somewhat  scaly;  the  spinous  dorsal  moderately  elevated,  the  first 
and  second  spine,  and  sometimes  the  third,  stronger  than  the  succeed- 
ing flexible  spines,  the  fourth  spine  the  longest,  1.6  to  2.4  in  head; 
soft  dorsal  rather  high,  the  rays  decreasing  in  length  posteriorly; 
caudal  truncate,  the  upper  lobe  with  acute  angle,  the  lower  lobe 
rounded,  the  middle  rays  slightly  the  longest;  anal  fin  rather  large, 
the  second  spine  very  much  enlarged,  but  not  projecting  beyond  the 
longest  rays,  not  quite  reaching  base  of  caudal  when  deflexed,  1.28 
to  i  .6  in  head ;  ventrals  long ;  the  pectorals  rather  short,  not  reaching 
past  tip  of  ventrals,  1.25  to  1.5  in  head. 

Color  grayish  above,  silvery  below;  sides  usually  with  brownish 
punctulations ;  a  dark  blotch  on  upper  anterior  angle  of  opercle ;  dorsals 
and  caudal  dusky,  with  a  narrow  black  margin;  anal  with  numerous 
dusky  punctulations ;  ventrals  and  pectorals  pale ;  opercular  lining 
silvery,  with  few  dark  points ;  peritoneum  silvery. 

This  species  was  found  common  on  the  Atlantic  coast  of  Panama; 
67  specimens,  ranging  from  90  to  285  mm.  in  length  were  preserved. 
A  study  of  this  large  series,  along  with  numerous  specimens  in  the 
United  States  National  Museum  from  the  West  Indies,  coast  of 
Mexico  and  Brazil,  leaves  no  doubt  of  the  identity  of  B.  ronchus  and 
the  B  annata  of  the  Atlantic  recently  separated  from  the  B.  armata 
of  the  Pacific  and  placed  under  the  name  B.  verce-crucis  Jordan  & 
Dickerson  (Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1908,  16,  fig.  i).  There  is  consider- 
able variation  among  individuals  with  respect  to  dentition,  length  of 
snout,  size  of  eye,  and  with  respect  to  dorsal  and  anal  spines,  but  we  find 
no  constant  differences.  B.  ronchus  differs  from  B.  armata  of  the  Pacific 
coast  in  having  a  more  oblique  mouth,  a  blunter  snout,  a  more  rounded 
ventral  outline,  weaker  dorsal  spines,  and  in  having  the  gill-rakers 
more  numerous  on  the  lower  limb  of  the  anterior  arch.  This  species 
is  readily  distinguished  from  the  more  northern  form,  B.  chrysura, 
by  the  enlarged  second  anal  spine. 


636    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

Known  from  the  West  Indies,  coast  of  Mexico,  and  south  to  Brazil. 
Our  specimens  are  from  Mindi  Cut,  Mindi  Reef,  Colon  market  and 
Porto  Bello. 

170.  Genus  Ophioscion  Gill. 

Ophioscion  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1863,  164   (type  Ophio- 
scion typicus  Gill). 

Sigmurus  Gilbert,  in  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.   S.   Nat.   Mus., 
XLVII,  1898,  1452  (type  Corvina  vermicularis  Giinther). 
Bony  margin  of  preopercle  armed  with  strong  serrae  at  all  ages, 
the  lowermost  tooth  not  directed   forward;  gill-rakers   short;  teeth 
in  the  jaws  in  bands;  caudal  fin  never  lunate,  the  middle  rays  longer 
than  the  lower  ones ;  soft  dorsal,  anal  and  caudal  scaly. 

KEY   TO    THE    SPECIES. 

a.  Caudal  fin  lanceolate,  rounded  or  slightly  double  truncate,  the 
middle  rays  the  longest;  scales  below  lateral  line  in  horizontal 
rows ;   teeth   in  lower  jaw  of  uniform   size,   the  outer   ones 
not  especially  enlarged. 

b.  Body  little  compressed,   the   back   only   slightly   elevated,   the 
dorsal  and  ventral  outlines  about  evenly  curved ;  spinous  dorsal 
very  high,  the  second  spine  as  long  as  the  fourth,  the  third 
spine  the  longest,  reaching  the  first  ray  of  soft  dorsal  when 
deflexed ;  body  without  dark  stripes.  simulus,  p.  637. 

bb.  Body  notably  compressed,  the  back  elevated,  the  dorsal  outline 
more  strongly  curved  than  the  ventral;  the  spinous  dorsal 
moderately  elevated,  the  second  spine  shorter  than  the  fourth, 
the  third  spine  not  reaching  soft  dorsal  when  deflexed. 

c.  Caudal  fin  lanceolate,  the  middle  rays  much  produced,  as  long  as 
or  longer  than  head ;  rays  of  soft  dorsal  20  to  23 ;  developed 
gill-rakers  below  angle  9  to  13. 

d.  Body  with  faint  dark  streaks  along  the  rows  of  scales ;  outer 
ray  of  ventrals  with  a  very  short  filament  not  projecting  be- 
yond the  tips  of  the  longest  fin  rays;  soft  dorsal  high,  the 
longest  rays  only  slightly  shorter  than  the  longest  dorsal  spine. 

adustus,  p.  639. 

dd.  Body  without  dark  streaks  along  the  rows  of  scales ;  outer 
ray  of  ventrals  produced  into  a  filament  projecting  beyond 
the  longest  fin  rays  a  distance  about  equal  to  the  diameter  of 
the  eye;  soft  dorsal  rather  low,  its  longest  rays  not  more  than 
2/z  as  long  as  the  longest  dorsal  spine. 


APRIL  15,  1925.  FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    637 

e.  Second  dorsal  spine  only  slightly  shorter  than  third  and  not 
much  stronger;  scales  5  or  5^2-54  or  55,  counting  transverse 
series  above  lateral  line ;  preopercular  margin  with  4  to  6  teeth. 

strabo,  p.  640. 

ee.  Second  dorsal  spine  not  more  than  %  as  long  as  the  third,  but 
very  much  stronger;  scales  4-49  to  53,  counting  transverse 
series  above  the  lateral  line;  preopercular  margin  with  10  or 
ii  teeth.  typicus,  p.  641. 

cc.  Caudal  fin  rounded  or  slightly  double  truncate,  the  middle 
rays  much  shorter  than  head;  rays  of  soft  dorsal  23  to  27; 
developed  gill-rakers  below  angle  6  to  10. 

f .  Body  with  evident   dark  streaks   along  the   rows  of   scales ; 
third  and  fourth  dorsal  spines  of  about  equal  length,  reaching 
past  the  tips  of  3  or  4  of  the  succeeding  spines  when  deflexed, 
outer  margin  of  fin  concave.  scierus,  p.  642. 

f  f .  Body  without  dark  streaks  along  the  rows  of  scales ;  the  third 
and  fourth  spines  not  reaching  past  the  tips  of  any  of  the 
succeeding  spines  when  deflexed,  outer  margin  of  fin  not  con- 
cave. 

g.  Dorsal  rays  XI-I,  24  or  25;  chin  without  symphyseal  knob; 
preopercle  with  7  or  8  rather  strong  teeth,  those  at  angle  en- 
larged, imiceps,  p.  643. 

gg.  Dorsal  rays  X-I,  23  to  25 ;  chin  with  a  small  symphyseal  knob ; 
preopercular  margin  with  8  or  9  rather  small  teeth,  those  at 
the  angle  but  little  enlarged.  punctatissimus  sp.  nov.,  p.  644. 
aa.  Caudal  fin  f-shaped,  the  rays  of  upper  angle  produced,  longer 
than  the  median  rays ;  rows  of  scales  below  lateral  line  run- 
ning obliquely  upward  and  backward,  horizontal  only  on  cau- 
dal peduncle ;  teeth  in  the  lower  jaw  more  or  less  unequal,  the 
outer  ones  enlarged;  body  with  prominent  dark  streaks. 

vermicularis,  p.  645. 
462.  Ophioscion  simulus  Gilbert. 

Ophioscion  simulus  Gilbert,  in  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat. 
Mus.,  XLVII,  1898,  1449  (Panama)  ;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir. 
Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  130,  PI.  XIX,  fig.  38. 
This  fish  was  not  seen  by  us.     Below  is  quoted  the  original  de- 
scription : 

"Head  3^;  depth  3^;  eye  42/5  in  head.  D.  XI,  26;  A.  II,  7; 
P.  18  or  19;  pores  in  lateral  line  50;  and  smaller  scales  covering  base 
of  caudal  fin.  Body  more  elongate  and  less  compressed  than  in  other 
species,  the  head  especially  characterized  by  rounded  outlines;  pre- 


638    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

orbitals  turgid ;  snout  blunt,  scarcely  at  all  compressed,  evenly  rounded 
in  all  directions ;  top  of  'head  everywhere  transversely  convex,  not  at 
all  depressed  over  the  orbits ;  a  scarcely  noticeable  depression  at  the 
occiput,  with  the  exception  of  which  the  profile  rises  slowly  and 
evenly  to  the  front  of  the  dorsal  fin;  predorsal  region  transversely 
evenly  convex,  not  compressed  to  a  ridge  except  immediately  in  front 
of  first  dorsal  spine ;  dorsal  and  ventral  outlines  about  equally  curved, 
the  base  of  anal  fin  but  little  more  oblique  than  the  normal  contour 
at  that  point.  Mouth  wide,  broadly  U-shaped  as  seen  from  below, 
overpassed  by  the  bluntly  rounded  snout  for  a  distance  (taken  axi- 
ally)  equal  to  y2  diameter  of  pupil;  cleft  of  the  mouth  moderately 
oblique,  the  maxillary  reaching  vertical  from  middle  of  pupil;  length 
of  maxillary  (measured  from  front  of  premaxillaries)  3^  in  head; 
mandible  with  a  broad  band  of  villiform  teeth  of  uniform  size ;  premax- 
illaries with  a  similar  broad  villiform  band,  preceded  by  an  outer  series 
of  small  canines,  close-set,  smaller  in  size  than  in  related  species ; 
preorbital  of  moderate  width,  swollen  and  turgid  as  in  Pachyurus, 
its  width  6l/3  in  head;  posterior  nostril  large,  circular,  without  trace 
of  raised  membranous  edge ;  anterior  nostril  vertically  elliptical,  small, 
and  with  raised  margin;  preopercular  margin  with  14  to  16  spinous 
teeth  (in  the  type  specimen),  the  upper  ones  minute,  increasing  in 
size  toward  preopercular  angle,  around  which  they  evenly  radiate, 
none  conspicuously  enlarged,  and  the  lowermost  not  directed  abruptly 
downward.  Gill-rakers  short,  the  longest  about  equaling  diameter  of 
posterior  nostril,  7  movable  ones  on  upper  limb  of  arch,  13  below. 
First  dorsal  high,  of  very  slender  flexible  spines,  except  the  first  two ; 
second  spine  strong  and  rigid,  as  long  as  the  fourth,  contained  1^4 
times  in  the  head;  third  spine  the  longest,  reaching  when  declined  to 
base  of  first  ray  of  second  dorsal,  its  length  i^  in  head;  from  the 
third,  the  spines  decrease  rapidly,  so  that  the  distal  margin  of  the 
fin  is  subvertical;  the  tenth  spine  shortest,  its  membrane  reaching 
base  only  of  the  eleventh,  which  belongs  to  second  dorsal  and  is  ^ 
diameter  of  the  eye;  second  dorsal  high,  the  longest  ray  equaling 
length  of  snout  and  eye;  caudal  sublanceolate,  mutilated  so<  that  its 
exact  shape  cannot  be  ascertained;  middle  rays  considerably  longer 
than  the  outer,  and  at  least  ^4  length  of  head ;  second  anal  spine  long 
and  strong,  its  length  i2/$  in  head,  slightly  greater  than  that  of  first 
soft  ray  which,  however,  projects  beyond  it;  outer  ventral  ray  pro- 
duced in  a  very  short  filament,  about  ^4  diameter  of  eye;  ventral 
spine  2^5  in  head,  the  longest  ray,  exclusive  of  filament,  il/2  in  head, 
reaching  5/7  distance  from  their  base  to  vent;  pectorals  il/z  in  head, 


APRIL  15,  1925.  FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    639 

reaching  a  vertical  from  tips  of  ventrals.  Lips,  branchiostegals,  gular 
membranes,  and  under  side  of  snout  naked,  head  and  body  otherwise 
scaled;  scales  on  mandible  and  those  in  advance  of  nostrils  cycloid  or 
those  on  top  of  snout  very  weakly  ctenoid,  scales  otherwise  strongly 
ctenoid;  second  dorsal  and  anal  with  a  definite  low  scaly  sheath  at 
base  consisting  of  a  single  series  of  small  scales,  and,  in  addition, 
series  of  scales  on  the  membranes  extending  ^  distance  to  tip.  Cau- 
dal scaled  to  tip;  lateral  line  with  a  long  low  curve,  the  height  of 
which  equals  y2  diameter  of  orbit.  Color  steel  gray  above,  without 
dark  streaks,  white  below,  the  cheeks  and  lower  portions  of  sides 
with  much  brown  specking,  sometimes  confined  to  the  margins  of  the 
scales;  mouth  white  within,  lining  of  opercles  blackish;  fins  dusky, 
the  distal  part  of  ventrals  black,  the  outer  ray  white;  anal  with  the 
anterior  rays  tipped  with  black." 

Known  only  from  the  type,  a  specimen  200  mm.  in  length,  from 
Panama  Bay. 

463.  Ophioscion  adustus  (Agassiz). 

Scicena   (Corvina)   adusta  Agassiz,  in  Spix,  Pise.  Brasil.,  1831,   126, 

PI.  LXX  (Montevideo). 

Sciana  adusta  Giinther,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus.,  II,  1860,  289. 
Ophioscion  adustus  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII, 

1898,  1447. 

Head  3.2  to  3.3;  depth  3.1  to  3.3;  D.  X-I,  or  XI-I,  20  to  22;  A. 
II,  7;  scales  4-53  to  56,  counting  transverse  series  above  lateral  line. 

Body  compressed ;  the  back  elevated ;  anterior  profile  almost  straight 
over  head ;  ventral  outline  slightly  rounded ;  head  slightly  compressed ; 
the  snout  blunt,  projecting  but  little  beyond  the  premaxillaries,  its 
length  3.68  to  4  in  head;  eye  4  to  4.25;  mouth  inferior,  horizontal; 
the  maxillary  reaching  middle  of  eye,  2.7  to  2.8  in  head ;  nostrils  placed 
close  together,  the  anterior  one  with  a  raised  membrane  surrounding 
it;  posterior  margin  of  posterior  nostril  reaching  adipose  eyelid;  snout 
with  the  usual  pores  and  slits  well  developed,  no  knob  at  the  symphy- 
sis  of  lower  jaw;  preopercle  with  about  5  teeth  at  lower  angle  and 
with  several  small  serrations  above  these ;  teeth  in  bands  in  the  jaws, 
none  of  the  lower  ones  especially  enlarged,  the  outer  row  in  upper 
jaw  slightly  enlarged ;  pseudobranchiae  present ;  gill-rakers  short, 
rather  numerous,  about  12  below  angle;  scales  ctenoid,  in  horizontal 
series  below  lateral  line;  spinous  dorsal  moderately  elevated,  the  sec- 
ond spine  strong  and  about  ^  as  high  as  the  third,  the  latter  not 
longer  than  the  fourth  and  not  reaching  the  tip  of  any  of  the  sue- 


640    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

ceeding  spines  when  deflexed,  outer  margin  of  fin  convex;  soft  dor- 
sal high,  the  longest  rays  only  slightly  shorter  than  the  longest  dorsal 
spines,  a  sheath  formed  of  one  row  of  scales  at  base,  small  scales  on 
membrane  of  fin  between  rays ;  caudal  fin  lanceolate,  the  middle  rays 
produced,  as  long  as  head;  second  anal  spine  strong,  as  long  as  the 
soft  rays,  but  not  projecting  beyond  them,  1.64  to  2  in  head;  outer 
ray  of  ventrals  with  a  very  short  filament  not  reaching  beyond  the 
longest  rays;  pectorals  not  projecting  beyond  tips  of  ventrals,  1.3  to 
1.4  in  head. 

Color  brownish  above,  paler  below ;  lower  parts  everywhere  dotted 
with  brown  punctulations ;  faint  lines  along  the  rows  of  scales  on  back 
and  sides ;  fins  all  dusky ;  lower  fins  dark ;  peritoneum  pale  silvery. 

This  species  is  here  described  from  13  small  specimens,  ranging 
from  50  to  loo  mm.  in  length. 

Known  from  the  West  Indies  to  the  Rio  de  La  Plata.  Our  speci- 
mens are  from  Fox  Bay,  Colon,  and  Porto  Bello. 

464.  Ophioscion  strabo  Gilbert. 

Ophioscion  strabo  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1896,  444   (San 

Juan  Lagoon,  south  of  Guaymas,  Mexico)  ;  Jordan  &  Evermann, 

Bull.  U.   S.   Nat.   Mus.,  XLVII,   1898,   1448;   Gilbert  &   Starks, 

Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  131. 
Corvina  strabo  Boulenger,  Boll.  Mus.  Zool.  Anat.  Torino,  XIV,  No. 

346,  1899,  3. 

Head  3.4  to  3.5 ;  depth  3.3 ;  D.  X-I,  22  or  23 ;  A.  II,  8 ;  scales  5  or 
5//2~54  to  55,  counting  transverse  series  above  lateral  line. 

Body  much  compressed;  the  back  elevated;  anterior  profile  con- 
cave over  head,  rising  rapidly  from  occiput  to  origin  of  dorsal ;  ven- 
tral outline  rounded;  head  rather  low  and  little  compressed;  snout 
projecting  but  slightly  beyond  premaxillaries,  its  length  3.45  to  3.6 
in  head;  eye  4.1 ;  mouth  little  oblique,  maxillary  reaching  about  middle 
of  eye,  2.94  to  3  in  head ;  anterior  nostril  surrounded  by  a  raised  mem- 
brane; posterior  nostril  reaching  adipose  eyelid,  placed  at  a  distance 
a  little  greater  than  its  longest  diameter  from  anterior  nostril;  pre- 
opercle  with  4  or  5  teeth,  the  ones  at  the  angle  enlarged ;  teeth  in  the 
jaws  in  bands,  those  of  the  lower  jaw  of  uniform  size,  the  outer  ones 
in  upper  jaw  enlarged;  pseudobranchiae  present;  gill-rakers  short, 
scarcely  longer  than  posterior  nostril;  scales  ctenoid;  spinous  dorsal 
moderately  elevated,  the  second  spine  not  much  stronger  than  the 
third,  but  nearly  as  long,  outer  margin  of  fin  straight;  soft  dorsal 
rather  low,  with  a  low  scaly  sheath  formed  of  one  row  of  scales  at 


APRIL  15,  1925.  FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRA'ND.   641 

base,  membrane  of  fin  above  sheath  with  small  scales;  caudal  fin  lan- 
ceolate, longest  rays  equal  to  or  slightly  longer  than  head ;  second  anal 
spine  enlarged,  1.7  to  1.85  in  head;  outer  ray  of  ventrals  with  a  short 
filament ;  pectorals  short,  scarcely  reaching  tip  of  ventrals. 

Color  uniform  light  brown  above,  paler  below;  no  dark  streaks 
along  the  rows  of  scales;  fins  all  dusky;  anal  and  ventrals  almost  black. 

This  species  is  here  described  from  two  type  specimens,  respectively 
loo  and  135  mm.  in  length,  from  San  Juan  Lagoon,  Mexico. 

Known  from  the  San  Juan  Lagoon,  Mexico.  Recorded  from  the 
Rio  Tuyra,  Panama,  by  Boulenger.  No  other  Panama  records. 

465.  Ophicscion  typicus  Gill. 

Ophioscion  typicus  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1863,  l&5  (west 

coast  of  Central  America)  ;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat. 

Mus.,  XLVII,  1898,   1448;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac. 

Sci.,  IV,  1904,  129. 
Corvina  Ophioscion  Gunther,  Trans.  Zool.  Soc.  London,  VI,  1869,  428 

(Panama). 
Sci&na  Ophioscion  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  I,  1881 

(1882),  315. 
Sci&na  typica  Jordan  &  Eigenmann,  Rept.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  XIV, 

1886  (1889),  404. 

Head  3.3  to  3.6;  depth  3.2  to  3.45;  D.  X-I,  22  or  23;  A.  II,  8; 
scales  4-49  to  53. 

Body  moderately  elongate,  compressed;  the  back  elevated;  anter- 
ior profile  more  or  less  concave  over  eyes,  especially  in  older  exam- 
ples; ventral  outline  from  snout  to  anal  fin  almost  straight;  head 
rather  low;  snout  projecting  beyond  the  inferior  horizontal  mouth, 
its  length  3.75  to  4.8  in  head ;  eye  3.5  to  5.2 ;  maxillary  reaching  about 
middle  of  eye,  3  in  head;  teeth  in  jaws  in  bands,  the  outer  row  in 
upper  jaw  enlarged;  cranium  not  spongy  to  touch;  pseudobranchiae 
well  developed ;  gill-rakers  about  the  length  of  posterior  nostrils ;  pre- 
opercle  with  its  bony  margin  serrate,  the  teeth  at  angle  strongest,  di- 
verging, 10  or  ii  in  number;  scales  rather  large,  strongly  ctenoid; 
spinous  dorsal  moderately  elevated,  first  and  second  spines  strong, 
much  stronger  than  the  third  and  fourth,  the  latter  two  the  longest 
and  of  about  equal  length,  not  reaching  second  dorsal  when  deflexed, 
about  1.7  in  head,  outer  margin  of  fin  straight;  soft  dorsal  rather  low. 
with  a  scaly  sheath  formed  of  one  row  of  scales  at  base;  membrane 
of  fin  with  small  scales ;  caudal  fin  lanceolate,  the  middle  rays  as  long 
as  head;  anal  fin  small,  the  second  spine  very  strong,  equal  in  length 


642    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

to  soft  rays,  but  not  projecting  beyond  them,  1.4  to  1.7  in  head;  ven- 
tral fins  rather  small,  the  outer  ray  with  a  filament;  pectorals  rather 
short,  reaching  tip  of  ventrals,  1.33  to  1.38  in  head. 

Color  grayish,  lower  fins  more  or  less  dusky. 

There  are  9  specimens  of  this  species  in  the  Panama  collection, 
ranging  from  16  to  140  mm.  in  length.  We  have  also  examined  7 
specimens  collected  at  Panama  in  1881  by  Dr.  C.  H.  Gilbert. 

Known  from  Panama  Bay  and  the  Rio  Dagua,  Colombia.  The 
specimens  at  hand  are  from  Chame  Point  where  they  were  taken  by 
Mr.  Robert  Tweedlie. 

466.  Ophioscion  scierus  (Jordan  &  Gilbert). 

Sciana  vermicularis  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  I,  1881 

(1882),  315  (not  of  Giinther). 
Scicena  sciera  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1884,  480 

(Mazatlan;  Panama). 
Ophioscion  scierus  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII, 

1898,  1452;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904, 

131,  PI.  XIX,  fig.  39. 

Head  3.25  to  3.55;  depth  2.8  to  3.2;  D.  X-I,  24  to  27;  A.  II,  8; 
scales  5-55  to  59,  counting  transverse  series  above  lateral  line. 

Body  rather  robust,  compressed;  the  back  elevated;  profile  from 
anterior  nostrils  to  first  dorsal  spine  almost  straight;  ventral  outline 
rounded;  head  slightly  compressed;  snout  projecting  beyond  the  pre- 
maxillaries,  with  evident  pores  and  slits,  its  length  3.2  to  3.55  in  head ; 
eye  4.5  to  5.5;  mouth  inferior,  slightly  oblique;  the  maxillary  reaching 
somewhat  past  middle  of  eye,  2.8  to  3  in  head;  posterior  nostril  re- 
moved from  the  anterior  by  the  distance  of  its  greatest  diameter,  with- 
out external  raised  membrane,  its  posterior  edge  reaching  adipose  eye- 
lid; preopercle  with  about  10  teeth,  those  at  the  angle  considerably 
enlarged;  teeth  in  the  jaws  in  bands,  the  outer  ones  in  the  lower  jaw 
not  enlarged,  similar  to  the  inner  teeth,  the  outer  row  in  the  upper 
jaw  moderately  enlarged;  pseudobranchiae  well  developed;  gill-rakers 
short  and  thick,  about  equal  in  length  to  longest  diameter  of  posterior 
nostril ;  scales  of  moderate  size,  strongly  ctenoid ;  spinous  dorsal  rather 
high,  the  second  spine  much  stronger  than  the  third,  but  not  more 
than  two-thirds  as  high,  the  third  and  fourth  spines  of  about  equal 
length,  reaching  past  the  tips  of  three  or  four  of  the  succeeding  spines 
when  deflexed,  but  not  reaching  second  dorsal,  third  spine  1.45  to  1.7 
in  head,  outer  margin  of  fin  slightly  concave;  soft  dorsal  rather  low, 
with  a  low  scaly  sheath  formed  of  one  row  of  scales  at  base,  mem- 


APRIL  15,  1925.  FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.   643 

brane  of  fin  above  sheath  with  small  scales  that  extend  about  half 
way  up  the  fin;  caudal  slightly  double  truncate,  the  middle  rays  the 
longest;  anal  fin  small,  the  second  spine  very  strong,  about  as  long 
as  the  soft  rays,  but  not  projecting  beyond  them,  1.6  to  2.2  in  head; 
ventral  fins  with  outer  ray  produced  into  a  filament;  pectorals  pro- 
jecting well  beyond  the  tips  of  ventrals,  but  not  reaching  anal  open- 
ing, 1.2  to  1.3  in  head. 

Color  brown  above,  lighter  below;  dark  streaks  along  the  rows  of 
scales  on  sides  and  back,  these  running  upward  and  backward  above 
the  lateral  line,  but  parallel  with  the  long  axis  of  the  body  below  the 
lateral  line ;  these  streaks  not  as  prominent  as  in  O.  vermicularis ; 
lower  parts  with  many  brown  punctulations ;  fins  all  dusky,  anal  and 
ventrals  quite  dark. 

Here  described  from  a  series  of  18  specimens,  varying  in  length 
from  190  to  265  mm. 

Known  from  the  Pacific  coast  of  tropical  America,  from  Mazatlan 
to  Panama.  Not  very  abundant  at  Panama;  our  specimens  are  from 
Balboa,  and  the  Panama  City  market. 

467.  Ophioscion  imiceps  (Jordan  &  Gilbert). 

Sci&na  imiceps  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  I,  1881 

(1882),  309   (Panama);  Jordan  &  Eigenmann,  Kept.  U.  S.  Fish 

Comm.,  XIV,  1886  (1889),  404. 
Ophioscion  imiceps  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII, 

1898,  1451 ;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  131. 

Head  3.6  to  3.7;  depth  3  to  3.2 ;  D.  XI-I,  24  or  25 ;  A.  II,  8;  scales 
5-53  to  56,  counting  transverse  series  above  lateral  line. 

Body  compressed ;  the  back  elevated ;  the  anterior  profile  straight  or 
slightly  concave  over  eyes ;  ventral  outline  rounded ;  head  compressed ; 
snout  projecting  somewhat  beyond  premaxillaries,  with  evident  pores 
and  slits,  its  length  3.7  to  3.9  in  head ;  eye  4.2  to  4.5 ;  mouth  inferior, 
horizontal ;  the  maxillary  reaching  almost  to  posterior  margin  of  pupil, 
2.9  to  3  in  head;  nostrils  without  a  prominently  raised  membrane,  the 
posterior  reaching  adipose  eyelid ;  preopercle  with  7  or  8  rather  strong 
spines,  those  at  the  angle  the  strongest,  diverging ;  teeth  in  the  jaws  in 
bands,  the  outer  ones  in  the  upper  jaw  enlarged ;  pseudobranchiae  well 
developed;  longest  gill-rakers  somewhat  longer  than  posterior  nostril, 
9  or  10  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch ;  scales  ctenoid ;  spinous  dorsal  mod- 
erately elevated,  the  second  spine  stronger  than  third,  but  not  more 
than  %  as  high,  third  spine  not  reaching  past  tips  of  succeeding  spines 
when  deflexed,  outer  margin  of  fin  straight;  longest  rays  of  second 


644    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

dorsal  about  half  as  high  as  longest  dorsal  spines,  fin  with  a  low  scaly 
sheath  formed  of  one  row  of  scales  at  base,  with  small  scales  above 
sheath  on  membrane;  caudal  fin  double  truncate,  the  middle  rays  the 
longest,  shorter  than  head;  anal  small,  second  spine  enlarged,  1.95  to  2 
in  head ;  outer  rays  of  ventrals  produced  in  a  filament ;  pectorals  rather 
long,  reaching  well  past  tip  of  ventrals,  but  not  quite  to  vent,  i.i  to 
1.2  in  head. 

Color  dull  brown  above,  pale  below ;  no  dark  stripes  along  the  rows 
of  scales;  head  and  lower  part  of  sides  with  brown  punctulations ;  fins 
all  more  or  less  brown  or  dusky;  tip  of  spinous  dorsal  and  anal  quite 
dark. 

This  species  is  here  described  from  three  specimens  from  the  U.  S. 
Nat.  Mus.  collections,  ranging  in  length  from  10  to  185  mm. 

Known  only  from  Panama  Bay.     Not  taken  by  us. 

468.  Ophioscion  punctatissimus  sp.  nov.  (Plate  LXVIII.) 

Type  No.  81766,  U.  S.  N.  M. ;  length  140  mm.;  Panama  Canal, 
Cristobal. 

Head  3.2  to  3.5;  depth  2.85  to  2.95;  D.  X-I,  23  to  25;  A.  II,  8; 
scales  5-55  to  58,  counting  transverse  series  above  lateral  line. 

Body  rather  robust,  compressed;  the  back  elevated;  anterior  pro- 
file straight,  or  slightly  convex  in  large  specimens;  ventral  outline 
slightly  rounded;  head  rather  low;  snout  projecting  beyond  premaxil- 
laries,  with  pores  and  slits,  its  length  3.3  to  4.25  in  head;  eye  4.8  to 
5.25;  mouth  horizontal;  the  maxillary  reaching  posterior  margin  of 
pupil,  2.9  to  3.2  in  head ;  anterior  nostril  with  a  raised  membrane ;  pos- 
terior nostril  without  an  external  membrane,  its  posterior  edge  reach- 
ing adipose  eyelid,  removed  from  anterior  nostril  by  a  distance  equal 
to  its  longest  diameter;  a  small  knob  at  the  symphysis  of  lower  jaw; 
preopercle  with  8  or  9  teeth,  those  at  the  angle  not  much  enlarged; 
teeth  in  the  jaws  in  bands,  the  outer  ones  in  the  lower  jaw  similar  to  the 
inner  ones,  the  outer  row  in  upper  jaw  enlarged;  pseudobranchiae  well 
developed ;  gill-rakers  short  and  thickish,  scarcely  longer  than  posterior 
nostril,  7  or  8  developed  below  angle ;  scales  of  moderate  size,  strongly 
ctenoid,  in  horizontal  rows  below  lateral  line ;  spinous  dorsal  moderately 
elevated,  the  second  spine  the  strongest  but  not  much  more  than  half 
the  length  of  the  third,  the  third  spine  the  longest  but  not  reaching  past 
the  tip  of  any  of  the  succeeding  spines  when  deflexed,  1.7  to  2.1  in 
head;  soft  dorsal  rather  low,  with  a  scaly  sheath  formed  of  one  row 
of  scales  at  base,  membrane  of  fin  with  small  scales  extending  almost 
to  outer  margin  of  fin;  caudal  fin  rounded,  the  middle  rays  a  little 
the  longest,  equal  to  or  a  little  shorter  than  distance  from  tip  of  snout 


APRIL  15,  1925.  FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.   645 

to  preopercular  margin;  second  anal  spine  very  strong,  as  long  as  soft 
rays  but  not  projecting  beyond  them,  1.67  to  1.9  in  head;  outer  ray  of 
ventrals  produced  in  a  filament  which  reaches  to  vent  in  small  speci- 
mens, shorter  in  the  adult ;  pectorals  rather  long,  reaching  well  past  tips 
of  ventrals,  but  not  quite  to  anal  opening,  i.i  to  1.3  in  head. 

Color  brownish  above,  paler  below;  lower  parts  everywhere  pro- 
fusely dotted  with  brown  punctulations ;  no  dark  streaks  along  the  rows 
of  scales ;  fins  all  dusky ;  peritoneum  pale. 

Of  this  species  5  specimens,  ranging  in  length  from  140  to  245  mm., 
were  secured.  One  of  these  is  from  Toro  Point  and  the  others  are 
from  Colon  and  Cristobal. 

This  fish  is  distinguished  from  O.  adusta  by  the  short  and  rounded 
caudal  fin,  the  middle  rays  being  but  slightly  produced  and  much  shorter 
than  head.  The  outer  ray  of  ventral  fins  is  produced  in  a  filament 
which  projects  well  beyond  the  longest  rays ;  whereas  in  O .  adustus  the 
ventral  filament  is  very  short  and  does  not  project  beyond  the  longest 
rays.  There  are  fewer  gill-rakers  and  there  is  one  more  row  of  scales 
between  the  lateral  line  and  the  spinous  dorsal,  and  no  faint  streaks 
along  the  rows  of  scales  on  sides  and  back. 

469.  Ophioscion  vermicularis  (Gtmther). 

Corvina  vermicularis  Giinther,  Trans.  Zool.  Soc.  London,  VI,   1869, 

427,  PI.  LXVII,  fig.  2  (Panama). 

Scicena  vermicularis  Jordan,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1885,  381. 
Ophioscion  vermicularis  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

XLVII,  1898,  1452. 
Sigmurus  vermicularis  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV, 

1904,  132. 

Head  3.2  to  3.4;  depth  2.8  to  3;  D.  X-I,  26  to  29;  A.  II,  9;  scales 
5  or  6-66  to  69,  counting  transverse  series  above  lateral  line. 

Body  rather  short  and  deep ;  the  back  elevated ;  anterior  profile  more 
or  less  concave  over  eyes ;  ventral  outline  slightly  rounded ;  head  rather 
low ;  snout  slightly  projecting  beyond  premaxillaries,  without  pores  and 
slits,  its  length  3.4  to  4.25  in  head ;  eye  4.65  to  5.5 ;  mouth  oblique ; 
maxillary  reaching  about  middle  of  eye,  2.8  to  3.1  in  head;  nostrils 
very  close  together,  each  with  an  external,  raised  membrane,  the  pos- 
terior nostril  not  reaching  adipose  eyelid;  preopercle  with  about  15 
teeth,  those  at  the  angle  not  much  enlarged ;  teeth  in  the  jaws  in  bands, 
more  or  less  unequal,  the  outer  ones  in  both  jaws  enlarged;  pseudo- 
branchiae  well  developed;  gill-rakers  short  and  thick,  not  much  longer 
than  posterior  nostril;  scales  rather  small,  strongly  ctenoid;  spinous 


646    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  • —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

dorsal  rather  high,  the  second  spine  very  strong,  but  not  more  than 
half  as  long  as  the  third,  third  and  fourth  spines  the  longest,  reaching 
past  the  tips  of  four  or  five  of  the  succeeding  spines  when  the  fin  is 
deflexed,  outer  margin  of  fin  concave;  soft  dorsal  moderate,  closely 
scaled  at  base;  caudal  somewhat  f -shaped,  the  upper  lobe  produced, 
shorter  than  head;  anal  fin  rather  small,  the  second  spine  very  strong, 
about  equal  in  length  to  soft  rays,  but  not  reaching  beyond  them,  1.7 
to  2.5  in  head ;  outer  ray  of  ventrals  with  a  filament ;  pectorals  of  mod- 
erate length,  reaching  slightly  past  tip  of  ventrals,  1.2  to  1.38  in  head. 

Color  dark  brown,  with  prominent  dark  streaks  on  back  and  sides 
which  follow  the  rows  of  scales,  running  upward  and  backward,  becom- 
ing parallel  with  the  axis  of  the  body  on  caudal  peduncle;  on  most 
specimens  these  streaks  are  more  or  less  wavy ;  lower  parts  with  many 
brown  punctulations ;  fins  all  dusky;  ventrals  and  anal  quite  dark. 

This  species  is  here  described  from  8  specimens,  varying  in  length 
from  220  to  260  mm. 

Known  only  from  Panama  Bay.  Our  specimens  are  from  the 
Panama  City  market.  Apparently  a  rather  rare  species. 

171.  Genus  Macrodon  Schinz. 

Ancylodon   (Cuvier)    Oken,  Isis,   1817,   1182    (type  Lonchurus  ancy- 

lodon  Bloch  &  Schneider,  name  preoccupied). 
Macrodon  Schinz,  Das  Thierreich,   II,   1822,  482    (type  Lonchurus 

ancylodon;  substitute  for  Ancylodon,  preoccupied). 
Sagenichthys  Berg,  Anal.  Mus.  Nac.  Buenos  Aires,  IV,  1895,  52  (type 

Lonchurus  ancylodon;  substituted  for  Ancylodon). 

Resembling  Cynoscion,  from  which  it  differs  mainly  in  dentition. 
The  teeth  are  larger  and  all  the  enlarged  teeth  are  lance-shaped,  being 
widened  and  more  or  less  flattened  toward  the  tip  and  then  abruptly 
pointed,  with  a  cutting  edge  at  sides  precisely  like  a  lance. 

KEY   TO  THE   SPECIES. 

a.  Fins  very  densely  scaled ;  soft  dorsal,  caudal  and  anal  thickened 
by  small  scales;  gill-rakers  long  and  slender,  the  longest  about 
two-thirds  diameter  of  eye;  posterior  nostril  oblong,  much 
larger  than  the  anterior;  scales  moderate,  in  about  100  trans- 
verse series  above  lateral  line.  ancylodon,  p.  647. 

aa.  Fins  less  densely  scaled ;  only  the  soft  dorsal  and  anal  thickened 
by  scales;  gill-rakers  short  and  thick,  the  longest  only  slightly 
longer  than  diameter  of  pupil;  posterior  nostril  slit-like,  very 
small,  only  slightly  larger  than  the  anterior ;  scales  very  small,  in 
about  130  transverse  series  above  lateral  line,  mordax,  p.  648. 


APRIL  15,  1925.  FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.   647 

470.  Macrodon  ancylodon  (Bloch  &  Schneider). 

Lonchurus  ancylodon  Bloch  &  Schneider,  Syst.  Ichth.,  1801,  102,  PI. 

XXV  (Surinam). 
Ancylodon  jaculidens  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,   Hist.   Nat.   Poiss.,  V, 

1830,  8 1  (Cayenne). 
Ancylodon  ancylodon  Jordan  &  Eigenmann,  Rept.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm., 

XIV,  1886  (1889),  373  (in  part,  not  of  Bloch  &  Schneider). 
Sagenichthys  ancylodon  Berg,  Anal.  Mus.  Nac.  Buenos  Aires,  IV,  1895, 

52 ;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1898,  1416, 

PI.  CCXXI,  fig.  564  (in  part). 
Macrodon  ancylodon  Gill,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1903,  1015. 

Head  4.05;  depth  4.5;  D.  X-I,  28(  ?)  ;  A.  II,  10;  scales  in  about 
loo  transverse  series  above  the  lateral  line. 

Body  elongate,  moderately  compressed ;  the  back  highest  at  occiput ; 
profile  with  a  slight  depression  over  eyes;  head  rather  short  and  deep, 
much  compressed ;  snout  rather  blunt,  without  pores  or  slits,  its  length 
3.75  in  head;  eye  5.35;  lower  jaw  projecting;  mouth  large,  moderately 
oblique ;  the  premaxillaries  anteriorly  on  level  with  about  lower  margin 
of  pupil;  maxillary  broad,  reaching  posterior  margin  of  eye,  1.85  in 
head ;  snout  without  pores  or  slits ;  the  mandibles  moderate,  not  forming 
a  marked  angle  with  ventral  outline;  posterior  nostril  oblong,  much 
larger  than  the  anterior,  the  longest  diameter  about  equal  to  diameter 
of  pupil;  preopercle  with  a  striated  and  fringed  margin;  gill-rakers 
long  and  slender,  much  longer  than  the  diameter  of  the  pupil,  equal 
to  about  two-thirds  diameter  of  eye,  7  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch; 
pseudobranchise  very  small ;  teeth  in  the  jaws  mostly  in  2  series,  one 
series  mostly  large  and  the  other  small,  the  large  teeth  all  lance-shaped ; 
upper  jaw  in  front  with  two  pairs  of  enlarged  teeth,  the  anterior  pair 
very  large,  equal  in  length  to  about  one-half  diameter  of  eye;  scales 
moderate,  cycloid ;  lateral  line  scarcely,  if  at  all,  arched,  becoming  hori- 
zontal at  vertical  from  origin  of  soft  dorsal ;  all  the  fins  except  spinous 
dorsal  scaled  to  their  tips ;  dorsals,  caudal  and  anal  very  densely  scaled, 
giving  them  a  thickened  appearance;  spinous  dorsal  low,  the  spines 
weak ;  soft  dorsal  moderately  elevated,  the  posterior  rays  as  long  as  the 
anterior  (soft  dorsal  injured  so  that  the  number  of  rays  cannot  be 
counted)  ;  caudal  rhombic,  the  middle  rays  produced ;  anal  rather  large, 
the  spines  feeble,  embedded  in  the  scaly  skin ;  ventrals  very  short ;  pec- 
torals long,  reaching  much  past  tips  of  ventrals,  1.15  in  head. 

Color  grayish  above,  silvery  below ;  tip  of  snout  dusky ;  lining  of 
gill  covers  mostly  pale  silvery,  with  few  dark  points ;  fins  mostly  pale ; 


648    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

upper  portion  of  axil  dusky,  this  color  extending  upon  the  inner  side  of 
fin. 

This  species  is  here  described  from  one  specimen,  365  mm.  long, 
(U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  No.  53434)  from  Argentina.  It  does  not  occur  in 
our  collection  from  Panama.  It  is  known  from  the  South  American 
coast,  from  Guiana  to  Argentina.  We  have  included  this  description  in 
the  present  work  because  the  two  known  species  of  this  genus  were  for 
a  long  time  confused,  and  this  seems  to  be  the  first  time  that  a  direct 
comparison  of  specimens  from  the  Atlantic  and  Pacific  has  been  made.* 

We  have  here  endeavored  to  set  forth  the  apparent  external  differ- 
ences between  the  two  forms  as  revealed  by  a  comparison  of  specimens 
at  hand.  In  order  to  verify  the  relationship,  more  material  from  the 
Atlantic  is  much  desired. 

471.  Macrodon  mordax  (Gilbert  &  Starks). 

Ancylodon  jaculidens  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  II, 

1882  (1883),  in  (not  of  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes). 
Ancylodon  ancylodon  Jordan  &  Eigenmann,  Kept.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm., 

XIV,  1886  (1889),  373  (in  part,  not  of  Bloch  &  Schneider). 
Sagenichthys  ancylodon  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

XLVII,  1898,  1416  (in  part,  not  of  Bloch  &  Schneider). 
Sagenichthys  mordax  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.   Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV, 

1904,  121,  PI.  XVI,  fig.  32  (Panama). 

Head  3.6  to  3.8;  depth  4.05  to  5 ;  D.  X-I,  26  to  30;  A.  II,  9  or  10; 
scales  in  about  130  transverse  series  above  lateral  line. 

Body  elongate,  little  compressed ;  the  back  not  much  elevated ;  ante- 
rior profile  with  a  depression  over  eyes ;  head  compressed,  deep ;  snout 
rather  blunt,  its  length  3.75  to  4.1  in  head;  eye  4.5  to  5.75;  lower  jaw 

*Since  the  foregoing  was  written,  an  account  of  "The  Fishes  of  the  Stanford 
Expedition  to  Brazil,"  by  Edwin  Chapin  Starks,  has  been  published  in  the 
Leland  Stanford  Junior  University  Publications,  University  Series,  1913,  page  50. 
The  following  with  respect  to  the  relationship  of  the  two  species  herein 
involved  is  contributed : 

"Three  specimens  from  7  to  8  inches  in  length  were  collected  at  Para,  which 
enable  me  to  compare  directly,  for  the  first  time,  this  species  with  Sagenichthys 
mordax  from  the  Pacific. 

"When  Sagenichthys  mordax  was  described  it  was  compared  with  current 
descriptons  of  S.  ancylodon  and  from  these  it  appeared  to  differ  in  having  larger 
scales  in  the  lateral  line,  smaller  scales  on  the  rest  of  the  body,  and  shorter  gill- 
rakers.  All  of  these  characters  have  been  inaccurately  described  for  S.  ancy- 
lodon and  a  direct  comparison  of  the  specimens  from  both  coasts  fails  to  show 
any  specific  differences.  There  are  about  100  oblique  series  of  scales  above  the 
lateral  line  in  S.  ancylodon  (not  85)  and  half  as  many  scales  on  the  lateral  line 
(not  75).  The  gill-rakers  are  one-third  of  the  diameter  of  the  eye  (not  two- 
thirds).  The  specimens  from  Para  have  a  somewhat  larger  eye  than  those  trom 
Panama,  but  the  difference  is  not  too  great  to  be  accounted  for  by  the  difference 
in  size  of  the  specimens." 


APRIL  15,  1925.  FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.   649 

projecting;  mouth  large,  very  oblique;  premaxillaries  in  front  on  level 
with  upper  margin  of  eye ;  the  maxillary  wide,  reaching  posterior  mar- 
gin of  eye,  1.85  to  1.95  in  head;  snout  without  pores  or  slits;  mandibles 
very  strong,  making  a  rather  marked  angle  with  ventral  outline;  pos- 
terior nostril  slit-like,  very  small,  not  much  larger  than  the  anterior; 
preopercular  margin  striated  and  somewhat  fringed;  gill-rakers  short 
and  thick,  not  much  longer  than  the  diameter  of  the  pupil,  7  to  8  on 
the  lower  limb  of  anterior  arch ;  pseudobranchiae  very  small ;  teeth  in  the 
jaws  mostly  in  two  series,  all  the  large  teeth  lance- shaped ;  upper  jaw 
at  sides  with  an  outer  row  of  enlarged  teeth,  and  an  inner  row  of  small 
teeth;  in  front  usually  with  two  pairs  of  enlarged  teeth,  the  anterior 
pairs  very  much  enlarged,  exceeding  in  length,  one-half  the  diameter  of 
eye ;  lower  jaw  with  large  teeth  in  front,  the  outer  ones  the  largest,  at 
sides  the  inner  ones  are  the  largest  and  the  outer  ones  become  very 
small ;  scales  very  small,  cycloid,  those  of  lateral  line  enlarged,  and  again 
covered  by  small  scales ;  lateral  line  only  slightly  arched,  becoming  hori- 
zontal under  anterior  rays  of  soft  dorsal ;  all  the  fins,  except  the  spinous 
dorsal,  more  or  less  scaly,  only  the  soft  dorsal  and  anal  densely  scaled, 
giving  them  a  thickened  appearance;  dorsal  spines  weak  and  flexible, 
not  very  high ;  soft  dorsal  long  and  low ;  caudal  with  upper  lobe  angu- 
late,  the  middle  rays  notably  produced  in  young,  shorter  in  adult,  lower 
lobe  rounded;  anal  rather  large,  the  spines  very  feeble,  embedded  in 
the  scaly  skin;  ventrals  short,  pectorals  very  long,  reaching  much 
beyond  tips  of  ventrals,  1.05  to  1.28  in  head. 

Color  grayish  brown  above,  silvery  below;  tip  of  snout  and  area 
alongside  of  soft  dorsal  dark  brown  or  dusky;  dorsals  and  caudal 
dusky,  with  a  dark  margin;  other  fins  pale;  upper  half  of  axil  black, 
this  color  extending  up  the  fin  rays  on  inner  side  of  fin ;  lining  of  gill- 
covers  mostly  dusky. 

This  species  is  here  described  from  five  specimens  from  Panama 
Bay,  ranging  in  length  from  295  to  425  mm.  Our  collection  contains 
two  specimens,  respectively  400  and  425  mm.  in  length.  This  species 
was  for  a  long  time  confounded  with  the  Atlantic  form  M .  ancylodon, 
from  which  it  differs  notably  in  having  the  fins  less  densely  scaled,  par- 
ticularly the  caudal  which  in  M .  ancylodon  is  thickened  by  small  scales 
like  the  soft  dorsal  and  anal.  The  scales  are  also  notably  larger  on 
the  latter ;  the  mouth  is  less  oblique ;  the  posterior  nostril  is  somewhat 
different  in  shape  and  very  much  larger,  and  the  gill-rakers  are  more 
slender  and  much  longer. 

Known  only  from  Panama  Bay.  Our  specimens  are  from  the 
Panama  City  market. 


650    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

172.  Genus  Isopisthus  Gill. 
Isopisthus  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1862,  18  (type  Ancylodon 

parvipinnis  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes). 

Upper  jaw  with  a  pair  of  large  canines  in  front;  lower  jaw  with 
several  canines  at  sides;  dorsal  fins  far  apart;  anal  fin  long,  equal  to 
or  not  much  shorter  than  dorsal. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES. 

a.  Second  dorsal  and  anal  of  equal  length,  usually  with  an  equal 
number  of  rays;  base  of  second  dorsal  1.3  to  1.57  in  head;  dor- 
sal fins  far  apart,  separated  by  a  distance  equal  to  distance  from 
tip  of  upper  jaw  to  posterior  margin  of  eye. 

parvipinnis,  p.  650. 

aa.  Second  dorsal  notably  longer  than  the  anal,  constantly  with  2  to 
4  more  rays,  its  base  1.05  to  1.2  in  head;  dorsal  fins  separated 
by  a  distance  equal  to  length  of  snout.  remifer,  p.  651. 

472.  Isopisthus  parvipinnis    (Cuvier  &  Valenciennes). 
Ancylodon  parvipinnis  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  V, 

1830,  84,  PI.  CV  (Cayenne). 
Isopisthus   affinis    Steindachner,    Denkschr.    Ak.    Wiss.    Wien,    XLI, 

1879,  43,  PI.  II,  fig.  2  (Porto  Alegre,  Brazil). 
Archoscion  parvipinnis  Jordan  &  Eigenmann,  Kept.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm., 

XIV,  1886  (1889),  353- 
Isopisthus  parvipinnis  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.   S.   Nat.   Mus., 

XLVII,  1898,  1399. 
Isopisthus  harroweri  Fowler,  Proc.  Ac.   Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,   1916,  402, 

%  3  (Colon). 

Head  3.35  to  3.7;  depth  3.6  to  4.8;  D.  VI-I  to  VIII-I,  17  to  20; 
A.  II,  18  to  20;  scales  in  100  to  116  transverse  series  above  lateral  line. 

Body  elongate,  much  compressed ;  the  back  little  elevated ;  the  ante- 
rior profile  nearly  straight,  often  with  a  slight  depression  over  eyes; 
head  much  compressed,  deep;  snout  blunt,  without  slits  or  pores,  its 
length  3.5  to  4  in  head;  eye  3.6  to  4.75;  lower  jaw  projecting;  mouth 
large,  very  oblique;  the  premaxillaries  anteriorly  often  above  upper 
margin  of  eye ;  maxillary  reaching  about  middle  of  eye,  1.9  to  2  in  head ; 
nostrils  close  together;  the  posterior  nostril  oval,  notably  larger  than 
the  anterior ;  preopercle  with  a  striated  membranous  border ;  gill-rakers 
moderate,  7  or  8  on  lower  limb  of  anterior  arch ;  pseudobranchise  present, 
very  small ;  teeth  mostly  in  two  series,  a  pair  of  large  canines  in  front 
on  upper  jaw;  lower  jaw  with  several  large  canines  at  sides;  stomach 
with  8  caeca ;  air  bladder  with  two  lateral  appendages  anteriorly,  taper- 


APRIL  15,  1925.  FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.   651 

ing  and  coming  to  a  sharp  point  posteriorly;  scales  small,  cycloid,  thin 
and  deciduous ;  lateral  line  little,  if  at  all,  arched,  becoming  horizontal  at 
vertical  from  vent;  all  the  fins,  except  spinous  dorsal,  more  or  less 
scaled ;  the  second  dorsal  and  anal  scaled  to  their  tips,  giving  the  fins  a 
thickened  appearance;  dorsal  fins  far  apart,  separated  by  a  distance 
equal  to  distance  from  tip  of  upper  jaw  to  posterior  margin  of  eye; 
spinous  dorsal  very  small,  composed  of  6,  more  usually  of  7,  and  occa- 
sionally of  8  weak  spines ;  soft  dorsal  short,  its  base  no  longer  than  that 
of  anal,  1.3  to  1.57  in  head,  the  rays  decreasing  rapidly  in  length  pos- 
teriorly, the  last  rays  only  about  one-third  length  of  the  longest;  caudal 
slightly  double  concave,  the  median  rays  slightly  produced;  anal  fin 
long,  equal  in  size  and  similar  in  shape  to  dorsal ;  ventrals  rather  short, 
pectorals  moderate,  reaching  to  tips  of  ventrals,  1.25  to  1.6  in  head. 

Color  grayish  above,  silvery  below;  opercle  with  a  bluish  black 
blotch  above ;  dorsals  and  caudal  somewhat  dusky,  with  a  narrow  black 
margin ;  lower  fins  pale ;  upper  portion  of  axil  black,  this  color  extend- 
ing up  on  the  inner  side  of  upper  rays  of  pectoral ;  lining  of  gill-covers 
with  a  blotch  of  dusky  near  upper  anterior  angle  of  opercle;  peritoneum 
pale. 

Here  described  from  10  specimens,  ranging  in  length  from  135  to 
255  mm. 

Recorded  from  the  coasts  of  Panama,  Guiana  and  Brazil.  Our 
specimens  are  from  the  Colon  Reef  and  the  Colon  market. 

473.  Isopisthus  remifer  Jordan  &  Gilbert. 

Isopisthus  remifer  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  I,  1881 

(1882),  320   (Panama);  Jordan  &  Evermann,   Bull.  U.   S.   Nat. 

Mus.,  XLVII,  1898,  1398;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci., 

IV,  1904,  117;  Kendall  &  Radcliffe,  Memoir.  Mus.  Comp.  Zool., 

XXXV,  1912,  124. 
Archoscion  remifer  Jordan  &  Eigenmann,  Rept.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm., 

XIV,  1886  (1889),  353. 

Head  3.3  to  3.5;  depth  3.6  to  4.25;  D.  VII-I  or  VIII-I,  21  to  24; 
A.  II,  17  to  19;  scales  in  100  to  no  transverse  series  above  lateral 
line. 

Body  elongate,  much  compressed,  varying  greatly  in  depth ;  the  back 
gently  elevated ;  anterior  profile  with  a  depression  over  eyes ;  head  much 
compressed,  deep;  snout  blunt,  without  pores  or  slits,  its  length  3.65  to 
4  in  head;  eye  3.9  to  4.25;  lower  jaw  projecting;  mouth  large,  oblique; 
the  premaxillaries  in  front  on  level  with  or  slightly  below  upper  magin 
of  eye;  maxillary  reaching  about  to  posterior  margin  of  pupil,  1.9  to 


652    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

2.05  in  head ;  nostrils  close  together ;  the  posterior  nostril  not  very  large, 
oblong  or  slit-like  in  shape;  preopercle  with  a  striated  membranous 
border ;  gill-rakers  moderate,  8  or  9  below  angle  on  first  arch ;  pseudo- 
branchiae  present,  small;  teeth  mostly  in  2  series;  upper  jaw  with  a 
pair  of  large  canines  in  front;  lower  jaw  with  several  canines  at  sides; 
stomach  with  4  cseca;  air  bladder  with  2  lateral  appendages  anteriorly 
tapering,  and  coming  to  a  sharp  point  posteriorly ;  scales  small,  cycloid, 
deciduous ;  lateral  line  somewhat  arched  anteriorly,  becoming  horizontal 
at  vertical  from  vent;  all  the  fins  except  spinous  dorsal  more  or  less 
scaly;  soft  dorsal  and  anal  densely  scaled,  giving  them  a  rather  thick- 
ened appearance ;  dorsal  fins  well  separated,  but  not  as  far  apart  as  in  /. 
parznpinnis,  distance  between  them  equal  to  length  of  snout;  spinous 
dorsal  small,  usually  with  8,  rarely  with  7  weak  spines;  soft  dorsal 
rather  long,  its  base  notably  longer  than  the  base  of  anal,  1 .05  to  i  .2  in 
head,  the  rays  decreasing  in  length  posteriorly,  the  last  rays  about  half 
as  long  as  the  longest;  caudal  slightly  double  concave,  the  middle  rays 
scarcely  produced;  anal  fin  moderate,  similar  in  form  to  soft  dorsal; 
ventrals  rather  short;  pectorals  reaching  to  or  slightly  past  tips  of 
ventrals,  1.25  to  1.4  in  head. 

Color  bluish  gray  above,  silvery  below;  sides  with  dusky  punctula- 
tions ;  tip  of  lower  jaw  and  snout  above  black ;  a  bluish  black  blotch  on 
opercle  below  upper  anterior  angle ;  all  the  fins  except  ventrals  more  or 
less  dusky,  with  dark  points;  ventrals  pale;  some  of  the  fins  more  or 
less  yellowish  in  life;  upper  portion  of  axil  black;  lining  of  gill-covers 
largely  black. 

This  species  is  here  described  from  specimens,  including  the  type, 
ranging  from  200  to  265  mm.  in  length.  Our  collection  contains  13 
specimens. 

The  rather  large  series  from  both  oceans  of  the  closely  related  forms, 
I.  parvipinnis  and  /.  remifer,  for  the  first  time  offer  an  opportunity  of 
a  direct  comparison  of  specimens.  The  two  can  readily  be  separated, 
but  the  validity  of  the  Pacific  coast  species,  /.  remifer,  must  be  based 
on  characters  other  than  the  one  before  given,  "the  much  greater  length 
of  the  pectoral  fins,"  which  proves  to  be  of  no  value.  The  most  notable 
difference  lies  in  the  size  of  the  second  dorsal,  as  compared  with  the 
anal.  The  two  are  of  equal  length  and  contain  about  an  equal  number 
of  rays  in  /.  parvipinnis.  In  L  remifer  the  second  dorsal  is  always 
notably  longer  and  larger  than  the  anal,  and  constantly  has  from  2 
to  4  more  rays. 

Known  only  from  Panama  Bay.  Our  specimens  are  from  Panama 
Bay  at  Balboa  and  from  the  Panama  City  market. 


APRIL  15,  1925.  FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.   653 

173.  Genus  CSynoscion  Gill. 
Cestreus   Gronow,   Cat.    Fish,    1854,   49    (type    Cestreus   carolinensis 

Gronovv,  name  preoccupied). 
Cynoscion  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1861,  81   (type  Otolithus 

regalis  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes). 

Apseudobranchus  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1862,  18  (type  Oto- 
lithus toeroe  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes  =  Cheilodipterus  acoupa 
Lacepede). 

Atractoscion  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1862,  18  (type  Otolithus 
aquidens  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes). 

Body  elongate;  head  conical;  mouth  very  large,  oblique,  the  lower 
jaw  protruding;  teeth  sharp,  not  close  set,  in  narrow  bands;  tip  of 
lower  jaw  without  canines ;  upper  jaw  with  two  long  canines,  one  often 
obsolete,  canines  tapering  from  base  to  tip;  preopercle  without  bony 
serrations ;  lower  pharyngeal  bones  separate,  their  teeth  pointed ;  verte- 
brae about  14  -f~  IOJ  pseudobranchiae  present;  dorsal  spines  slender; 
anal  spines  2,  very  weak;  second  dorsal  long  and  low,  more  than  twice 
the  length  of  the  anal. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES. 

a.  Soft  dorsal  and  anal  completely  covered  with  small  scales,  the 
base  of  the  fins  thickened  by  them. 

b.  Caudal  lunate,  the  middle  rays  shorter  than  the  outer;  dorsal 
formula  IX-I,  23.  othonopterus,  p.  654. 

bb.     Caudal  rhombic,  the  middle  rays  much  longer  than  the  outer; 

dorsal  formula  VIII-I,  21.  squamipinnis ,  p.  656. 

aa.     Soft  dorsal  and  anal  not  completely  covered  with  scales,  at  least 

the  distal  third  without  scales,  often  almost  or  wholly  naked. 

c.  Scales  cycloid,  with  a  membranous  border,  those  on  head  more 
or  less  embedded. 

d.  Head  low  and  wide,  somewhat  depressed  above;  mouth  wide; 
second  dorsal  with  29  or  30  rays;  scales  very  small,  in  120  to 
130  transverse  series  above  lateral  line.  virescens,  p.  657. 

dd.  Head  more  or  less  compressed,  never  depressed  above;  mouth 
narrower;  second  dorsal  with  18  to  22  rays;  scales  larger,  in 
84  to  115  transverse  series  above  lateral  line. 

e.  Body  compressed,  the  back  notably  elevated ;  head  much  com- 
pressed, deep;  snout  short,  lower  jaw  little  projecting;  mouth 
very  oblique,  the  mandible  making  a  marked  angle  with  ven- 
tral outline.  prcedatorius,  p.  658. 

ee.  Body  not  greatly  compressed,  the  back  little  elevated ;  head  not 
deep,  little  compressed ;  snout  rather  long,  ending  in  the  pro- 


654    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

jecting  lower  jaw;  mouth  less  oblique,  the  mandible  not  making 
a  marked  angle  with  ventral  outline. 

f.  Basal  half  of  dorsal  and  anal  covered  with  small  scales;  outer 
margin  of  spinous  dorsal  convex.  leiarchus,  p.  659. 

ff.      Dorsal  and  anal  with  only  a  few  scales  on  base  of  anterior  rays; 

outer  margin  of  spinous  dorsal  concave,    phoxocephalus,  p.  660. 
cc.     Scales  ctenoid,  without  membranous  border,  those  on  head  not 

embedded. 

g.  Back  and  sides  with  stripes  and  reticulations,  or  with   faint 
dark  streaks  along  the  rows  of  scales;  second  dorsal  with  23 
to  28  rays. 

h.  Back  and  sides  with  prominent  brownish  stripes  and  reticula- 
lations;  soft  dorsal  and  anal  scaleless;  dorsal  formula  X-I,  25 
to  28;  scales  small,  in  89  to  102  transverse  series  above  lateral 
line.  reticulatus,  p.  661. 

hh.  Faint  dark  streaks  along  the  rows  of  scales  above  lateral  line; 
soft  dorsal  and  anal  with  scales,  at  least  on  lower  half  of  fins; 
dorsal  formula  X-I,  23  to  25 ;  scales  large,  in  68  to  79  trans- 
verse series  above  lateral  line.  jamaicensis,  p.  662. 

gg.  Back  and  sides  uniform  bluish  gray,  no  stripes  or  reticulations ; 
second  dorsal  with  19  to  22  rays. 

i.  Snout  long  and  pointed,  its  dorsal  outline  straight;  soft  dorsal 
with  a  low  scaly  sheath  at  base  formed  of  but  one  row  of  scales ; 
pectorals  short,  not  nearly  reaching  tips  of  ventrals,  1.8  to  2.1 
in  head.  stolzmanni,  p.  663. 

ii.  Snout  rather  short  and  blunt,  its  dorsal  outline  distinctly  con- 
vex; soft  dorsal  with  a  high  scaly  sheath  at  base,  composed  of 
2  or  3  rows  of  scales ;  pectorals  long,  reaching  to  or  nearly  to  tips 
of  ventrals.  1.48  to  1.6  in  head.  albus,  p.  665. 

474.  Cynoscion  othonopterus  Jordan  &  Gilbert. 

Cynoscion  squamiplnnis  Streets,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  VII,  1877,  4^ 

(off  San  Ignacio  River,  Gulf  of  California;  not  of  Giinther). 
Cynoscion  othonopterum  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.   S.   Nat.  Mus., 

1881,  274  (Punta  San  Felipe,  Mexico). 
Cestreus  othonopterus  Jordan  &  Eigenmann,  Rept.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm., 

XIV,  1886  (1889),  364. 
Cynoscion  othonopterus  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV, 

1904,  119. 

"Head  3  i/io;  depth  4;  eye  6^  in  head.  D.  IX-I,  23;  A.  II,  10; 
scales  66,  60  pores.  Body  elongate,  the  back  somewhat  elevated,  the 
profile  from  tip  of  snout  to  dorsal  nearly  straight;  caudal  peduncle 


APRIL  15,  1925.  FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.   655 

rather  long  and  slender,  its  depth  4  in  head.  Head  long  and  pointed, 
compressed,  not  regularly  conical;  mouth  large,  the  lower  jaw  pro- 
jecting; maxillary  broad,  reaching  to  or  a  little  beyond  posterior  mar- 
gin of  orbit;  premaxillaries  in  front  on  the  level  of  lower  part  of 
pupil ;  length  of  gape  2^3  in  head.  Teeth  in  upper  jaw  in  a  moderate 
band  which  becomes  narrower  laterally;  upper  jaw  with  two  small 
canines,  their  length  scarcely  l/^  diameter  of  pupil;  some  of  the  other 
anterior  teeth  enlarged  and  larger  than  the  lateral  teeth;  teeth  in  lower 
jaw  in  a  narrow  band  in  front,  in  a  single  series  laterally,  the  lateral 
teeth  much  larger  than  the  anterior.  Eye  moderate,  broader  than 
preorbital,  narrower  than  maxillary,  its  diameter  a  little  greater  than 
l/2  interorbital  space;  preopercle  with  its  membranaceous  border  broad 
and  covered  with  small  scales.  Gill-rakers  long  and  strong,  nearly  as 
long  as  eye.  Scales  small,  all  with  conspicuous  membranaceous  edges; 
all  the  fins  excepting  spinous  dorsal  completely  covered  with  small 
scales,  the  bases  of  the  fins  thickened  by  them ;  a  few  scales  on  front 
of  spinous  dorsal;  lateral  line  considerably  curved  anteriorly,  becom- 
ing straight  at  a  point  in  front  of  the  vent,  near  the  origin  of  soft  dorsal ; 
dorsal  spines  comparatively  long  and  strong,  little  flexible,  the  third 
spine  slightly  longer  than  the  second,  2^4  in  length  of  head ;  first  spine 
short  and  slender,  about  l/$  length  of  second;  dorsals  not  connected; 
second  dorsal  rather  high,  its  longest  rays  3^2  in  head ;  caudal  fin  large, 
lunate,  the  outer  rays  about  l/$  longer  than  the  middle  rays,  which  are 
2*4  in  head;  anal  large,  as  long  as  high,  its  distal  margin  perfectly 
straight,  its  longest  rays  about  */$  length  of  head ;  anal  spines  small, 
enveloped  in  the  scaly  skin,  the  second  about  ]/$  height  of  first  soft 
ray;  anal  fin  terminating  considerably  in  front  of  dorsal;  ventrals 
long,  not  reaching  quite  half  way  to  vent,  their  length  about  l/z  that 
of  head ;  pectorals  broad,  rather  long,  reaching  a  little  beyond  tips  of 
ventrals,  and  contained  1^4  in  length  of  head. 

"Slaty-bluish  above,  silvery  below,  with  brighf  reflections ;  body 
and  fins  everywhere  with  dark  punctulations ;  tip  of  chin  dark;  fins 
yellowish,  the  upper  all  with  dark  edging;  pectorals  blackish  on  the 
posterior  side,  the  axil  and  the  large  axillary  scale  dusky;  lower  jaw 
bright  silvery;  lining  of  opercle  dark;  peritoneum  pale." 

This  species  was  not  seen  by  us.  The  above  description  is  an  ex- 
act copy  from  Jordan  &  Evermann  (Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII, 
1898,  1404),  based  on  a  large  specimen  nearly  two  feet  in  length.  Ap- 
parently closely  related  to  C.  squamipinnis ,  from  which  it  differs  mainly 
in  the  shape  of  the  caudal.  Dr.  Gilbert  is  supposed  to  have  taken  this 
species  at  Panama  in  1883,  but  his  collections,  together  with  all  notes, 


656    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

were  unfortunately  destroyed  by  fire  before  any  record  was  published. 
There  are  now  apparently  no  specimens  from  Panama  extant. 

Known  from  the  Gulf  of  California  and  from  a  somewhat  doubtful 
record  from  Panama  Bay. 

475.  *Cynoscion  squamipinnis  (Giinther). 

Otolithus  squamipinnis  Giinther,  Trans.  Zool.  Soc.  London,  VI,  1869, 

429  (Panama). 
Cynoscion  squamipinne  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1881, 

232. 
Cestreus  squamipinnis  Jordan  &  Eigenmann,  Kept.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm., 

XIV,  1886  (1889),  364. 
Cynoscion  squamipinnis  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV, 

1904,  118. 

Head  3.5;  depth  4.2;  D.  VIII-I,  21;  A.  II,  9;  scales  in  85  trans- 
verse series. 

Body  elongate;  the  back  scarcely  elevated;  anterior  profile  nearly 
straight;  ventral  outline  anteriorly  more  strongly  curved  than  the 
dorsal;  head  low,  fusiform;  snout  long,  without  pores  or  slits,  its 
length  3.7  in  head;  eye  6.2;  lower  jaw  projecting;  mouth  large,  ob- 
lique; maxillary  reaching  posterior  margin  of  eye,  2  in  head;  anterior 
nostril  very  small;  posterior  nostril  an  oblong  slit;  preopercle  with  a 
striated  membranous  border;  gill-rakers  long,  with  strong  serrations 
on  inner  side,  8  on  lower  limb  of  anterior  arch;  pseudobranchise 
small ;  teeth  in  the  jaws  mostly  in  2  series,  none  of  those  in  upper 
jaw  much  enlarged  except  2  pairs  of  canines  in  front,  the  inner  pair 
much  the  larger;  the  inner  teeth  at  sides  in  lower  jaw  moderately  en- 
larged; scales  ctenoid,  those  on  back,  in  front  of  and  alongside  of 
dorsal  fins  much  reduced  in  size;  lateral  line  scarcely  arched,  becom- 
ing straight  somewhat  in  advance  of  vertical  of  vent;  spinous  dorsal 
short  and  rather  low,  the  longest  spine  2.8  in  head;  soft  dorsal  cov- 
ered with  scales,  giving  a  thickened  appearance  to  the  fin,  no  sheath 
at  base ;  caudal  fin  rhombic,  the  middle  rays  produced,  small  scales  en- 
croaching upon  its  membranes;  anal  fin  completely  scaled,  the  spines 
small  and  embedded;  ventrals  short,  reaching  about  one-third  distance 
from  their  base  to  vent;  pectorals  reaching  slightly  past  tips  of  ven- 
trals, 1.7  in  head. 

*  Fowler  (Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1917  p.  132)  records  C.  acoupa,  a  closely 
related  South  American  species,  from  Colon.  This  species  was  not  obtained  by 
us  and  the  record  was  overlooked  when  our  specimens  were  studied.  C.  acoupa 
appears  to  have  a  shorter  snout,  smaller  mouth  and  probably  slightly  fewer  rays 
in  the  dorsal  and  anal  fins. 


APRIL  15,  1925.  FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.   657 

Color  grayish  above,  silvery  below;  sides  sprinkled  with  dusky 
points;  a  dark  axillary  spot  present;  lining  of  opercle  mostly  black; 
dorsals,  caudal  and  anal  more  or  less  dusky;  pectorals  and  ventrals 
pale. 

This  species  is  here  described  from  one  specimen,  450  mm.  in 
length,  taken  at  Panama  by  Dr.  C.  H.  Gilbert.  Not  taken  by  us. 

Known  from  the  Pacific  coast  of  tropical  America,  from  La  Union 
south  to  Panama. 

476.  Cynoscion  virescens  (Cuvier  &  Valenciennes). 

Otolithus  virescens  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  V,  1830, 

72  (Surinam). 
Otolithus  microps   Steindachner,   Denkschr.   Ak.   Wiss.   Wien,   XLI, 

1879,  38,  PI.  VIII,  fig.  2  (Porto  Alegre,  Brazil). 
Cestreus  virescens  Jordan  &  Eigenmann,  Kept.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  XIV, 

1886  (1889),  371. 

Cynoscion  virescens  Jordan   &   Evermann,    Bull.   U.    S.    Nat.    Mus., 
XLVII,  1898,  1415. 

Head  3.5  to  3.6;  depth  4.8  to  5.2;  D.  X-I,  29  or  30;  A.  II,  8; 
scales  in  120  to  130  transverse  series  above  lateral  line. 

Body  elongate,  scarcely  compressed ;  the  back  very  slightly  elevated ; 
ventral  outline  more  strongly  rounded  than  the  dorsal;  head  low  and 
wide,  depressed  above;  snout  blunt;  the  lower  jaw  protruding;  mouth 
large,  oblique;  the  premaxillaries  anteriorly  about  on  level  with  up- 
per margin  of  pupil;  maxillary  reaching  posterior  margin  of  eye,  2.2 
in  head;  snout  without  pores  or  slits,  3.8  to  4.05;  eye  very  small,  6.15 
to  7.2  in  head ;  posterior  nostril  oval ;  preopercle  with  crenulate  mem- 
branous edge;  gill-rakers  short  and  slender,  with  serrations  on  inner 
edge,  6  below  angle  on  anterior  arch ;  pseudobranchiae  very  small ;  teeth 
all  rather  small,  the  canines  in  front  of  upper  jaw  rather  short  and 
thick,  often  only  one  present ;  scales  very  small,  cycloid ;  lateral  line  not 
arched,  becoming  straight  at  vertical  of  vent;  spinous  dorsal  low,  the 
spines  weak  and  flexible,  the  longest  2.5  to  3  in  head;  soft  dorsal  with 
a  scaly  sheath  at  base,  no  scales  on  fin,  the  posterior  rays  as  long  as  the 
anterior;  caudal  lanceolate,  the  median  rays  much  produced,  as  long  as 
head  in  young,  shorter  in  our  larger  specimens ;  anal  fin  short,  the  rays 
long,  the  spines  very  small;  ventrals  short,  reaching  about  one-third 
distance  from  their  base  to  vent  in  specimens  about  8  inches  in  length, 
apparently  becoming  shorter  with  age;  pectorals  long,  reaching  past 
tips  of  ventrals,  1.3  to  1.5  in  head. 


658    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

Color  grayish  to  brownish  above,  silvery  below;  sides  with  dark 
points;  a  bluish  green  blotch  on  opercle;  lining  of  gill-covers  dusky; 
axil  pale ;  dorsals  and  caudal  dusky ;  other  fins  pale. 

The  above  description  is  based  on  4  specimens,  ranging  from 
185  to  275  mm.  in  length.  There  is  unfortunately  no  material  avail- 
able for  comparison.  Our  specimens  agree  well  with  the  scanty  ac- 
count given  by  Cuvier  and  Valenciennes,  also  with  the  description  of 
Otolithus  microps  Steindachner,  except  that  the  scales  are  said  to  be 
weakly  ctenoid,  while  our  specimens  have  cycloid  scales.  From  Jor- 
dan and  Eigenmann's  description  they  differ  in  having  fewer  gill- 
rakers,  5  or  6,  instead  of  8  below  the  angle,  and  in  having  a  lanceolate 
caudal  instead  of  an  S-shaped  caudal.  The  latter  difference  may  be 
due  to  age,  Jordan  &  Eigenmann's  description  being  based  on  a  speci- 
men 485  mm.  long. 

Previously  recorded  only  from  the  coast  of  Guiana  and  Brazil. 
Our  specimens  are  from  Fox  Bay,  Colon,  and  Colon  market. 

477.  Cynoscion  prxdatorius   (Jordan  &  Gilbert). 

Cestreus  prcedatorius  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  in  Jordan  &  Eigenmann,  Rept. 

U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  XIV,  1886  (1889),  363  (Panama). 
Cynoscion  prcedatorius  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Rept.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm., 

XXI,  1895  (1896),  394;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci., 

IV,  1904,  118. 

Head  3.6  to  3.9;  depth  3.8  to  3.95;  D.  IX-I,  18  to  20;  A.  II,  9; 
scales  in  84  to  93  transverse  series  above  lateral  line. 

Body  deep,  compressed;  the  back  elevated;  anterior  profile  gently 
convex;  ventral  outline  strongly  bent  anteriorly,  the  mandible  making 
a  marked  angle  with  rest  of  ventral  outline ;  head  more  compressed  and 
deeper  than  in  related  species ;  snout  shorter  and  more  blunt,  without 
slits  or  pores,  its  length  4  to  4.55  in  head ;  eye  6.4  to  6.8 ;  mouth  large, 
quite  oblique;  premaxillaries  anteriorly  on  level  with  middle  of  the 
small  eye;  lower  jaw  little  projecting;  maxillary  reaching  past  posterior 
margin  of  eye,  1.95  to  2.05  in  head;  nostrils  oval  in  form,  the  posterior 
much  larger  than  the  anterior,  in  contact  with  adipose  eyelid;  pre- 
opercular  margin  crenulate ;  gill-rakers  long,  the  longest  about  fy  length 
of  eye,  serrate  on  inward  side,  8  or  9  on  lower  limb  of  anterior  arch; 
pseudobranchiae  very  small;  teeth  in  upper  jaw  mostly  in  two  series, 
the  outer  ones  moderately  enlarged,  a  pair  of  large  canines  in  front; 
those  of  lower  jaw  in  two  series,  the  inner  ones  moderately  enlarged 
at  sides ;  scales  thin,  cycloid ;  lateral  line  rather  strongly  arched,  be- 
coming straight  in  front  of  vertical  of  vent;  spinous  dorsal  high,  the 


APRIL  15,  1925.  FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.   659 

longest  spine  2  in  head;  soft  dorsal  without  a  distinct  sheath  of  scales 
at  base,  usually  with  some  scales  on  base  of  fin,  fin  rather  high ;  caudal 
rounded  or  sublanceolate,  the  middle  rays  produced;  anal  fin  large, 
usually  scaly  at  base,  the  spines  small;  ventrals  slightly  shorter  than 
pectorals,  the  latter  1.4  in  head. 

Color  bluish  gray  above,  silvery  below;  opercular  lining  dusky; 
axil  brown ;  dorsals  and  caudal  dusky ;  other  fins  pale. 

This  species  is  here  described  from  3  specimens,  ranging  from  320 
to  400  mm.  in  length.  Our  collection  contains  but  one  specimen  400 
mm.  long. 

Known  only  from  the  Pacific  coasts  of  Panama  and  Costa  Rica. 
Our  specimen  is  from  Panama  Bay,  Balboa. 

478.  Cynoscion  leiarchus  (Cuvier  &  Valenciennes). 

Otolithus  leiarchus  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  V,  1830, 

78  (Brazil;  Cayenne). 
Cestreus  leiarchus  Jordan  &  Eigenmann,  Kept.  U.   S.  Fish  Comm., 

XIV,  1886  (1889),  371. 
Cynoscion  leiarchus  Jordan   &   Evermann,   Bull.   U.    S.    Nat.    Mus., 

XLVII,  1898,  1414. 

Head  2.95  to  3.4;  depth  3.6  to  4.15;  D.  IX-I  or  X-I,  20  to  22;  A. 
II,  10  or  ii ;  scales  in  100  to  115  transverse  series  above  lateral  line. 

Body  elongate,  compressed ;  back  little  elevated ;  anterior  profile 
nearly  straight ;  head  elongate,  compressed ;  snout  conical,  without  pores 
or  slits,  its  length  3.55  to  4  in  head;  eye  3.9  to  5.6;  lower  jaw  protrud- 
ing ;  mouth  large,  oblique ;  maxillary  reaching  from  posterior  mar- 
gin of  pupil  to  posterior  margin  of  eye,  2  to  2.2  in  head;  posterior 
nostril  oval,  but  little  larger  than  the  anterior;  preopercle  with  crenu- 
late  membranous  edge;  gill-rakers  rather  short  and  slender,  with  ser- 
rations on  inner  edge,  6  to  8  on  lower  limb  of  anterior  arch;  pseudo- 
branchiae  very  small;  teeth  in  the  jaws  mostly  in  2  series,  uniserial  at 
sides  in  lower  jaw  and  there  somewhat  enlarged ;  canines  in  upper  jaw 
rather  small,  often  only  one  present;  scales  cycloid,  rather  small,  those 
on  back  in  front  of  origin  of  dorsal  and  about  base  of  spinous  dorsal 
reduced  in  size,  and  often  partly  embedded;  lateral  line  little  arched, 
becoming  straight  at  vertical  from  vent;  stomach  with  4  caeca;  air 
bladder  tapering  and  coming  to  a  sharp  point  posteriorly,  anteriorly 
with  3  appendages,  the  lateral  ones  are  much  bent  and  curved;  spin- 
ous dorsal  rather  low,  the  spines  little  flexible,  the  longest  1.7  to  2.5 
in  head,  outer  margin  of  fin  convex;  soft  dorsal  without  distinct 
sheath  of  scales  at  base,  lower  one-fourth  to  one-half  covered  with 


660    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

small  scales,  the  rays  decreasing  in  length  posteriorly;  caudal  slightly 
double  concave,  the  median  rays  slightly  produced;  anal  rather  long, 
at  least  basal  half  of  fin  with  small  scales ;  ventrals  slightly  shorter  than 
pectorals,  the  latter  not  reaching  to  tips  of  former,  1.55  to  2  in  head. 

Color  bluish  gray  to  brownish  above,  silvery  below;  sides  with 
dark  points  and  often  with  greenish  reflections;  upper  half  of  axil 
dusky;  dorsals  and  caudal  more  or  less  dusky,  spinous  dorsal  often 
nearly  black;  lower  fins  usually  pale. 

Of  this  species  26  specimens,  ranging  from  115  to  270  mm.  in 
length,  were  preserved.  It  is  the  most  common  of  the  species  of  this 
genus  on  the  Atlantic  coast  of  Panama. 

This  fish  has  before  been  known  only  from  the  coast  of  Guiana 
and  Brazil.  Our  specimens  are  from  Mindi  Cut;  Mindi  Reef;  Fox 
Bay,  Colon,  and  Colon  market. 

479.  Cynoscion  phoxocephalus  Jordan  &  Gilbert. 

Cynoscion  phoxocephalum  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm., 

I,  1881   (1882),  318  (Panama). 
Cestreus  phoxocephalus  Jordan  &  Eigenmann,  Rept.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm., 

XIV,  1886  (1889),  371. 
Cynoscion  phoxocephalus  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Act.  Sci.,  IV, 

1904,  1 20. 

Head  3.1  to  4.4;  depth  3.5  to  4.5;  D.  X-I,  20  to  22;  A.  II,  10; 
scales  in  95  to  no  transverse  series  above  lateral  line. 

Body  elongate,  fusiform,  not  greatly  compressed;  the  ventral  out- 
line more  strongly  rounded  than  the  dorsal;  profile  from  tip  of  snout 
to  origin  of  dorsal  nearly  straight;  head  conical,  scarcely  compressed, 
tapering  gradually  and  evenly  to  tip  of  projecting  lower  jaw;  snout 
without  slits  or  pores,  its  length  3.4  to  4.1  in  head;  mouth  large, 
oblique;  the  premaxillaries  anteriorly  about  on  level  with  middle  of 
eye;  maxillary  reaching  posterior  margin  of  pupil  in  young,  past  pos- 
terior margin  of  eye  in  adult,  1.95  to  2.25  in  head;  eye  rather  small, 
varying  greatly  with  age,  3.8  to  7.1  in  head;  posterior  nostril  in  form 
of  an  oblong  slit,  not  much  larger  than  anterior  nostril,  not  reaching 
adipose  eyelid ;  preopercular  margin  with  a  crenulate  membranous  mar- 
gin, with  2  embedded  spines  near  the  angle,  these  more  or  less  ex- 
posed in  the  young;  gill-rakers  rather  short  and  thick,  with  strong 
serrations  on  inward  side,  6  to  8  on  lower  arm  of  anterior  arch ;  pseudo- 
branchiae  rather  small ;  teeth  mostly  in  two  series  in  the  jaws,  the  outer 
ones  in  upper  jaw  more  or  less  canine-like,  the  inner  ones  scarcely 
smaller  and  directed  inward  and  backward,  subequal,  except  one  pair 


APRIL  15,  1925.  FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.   661 

in  front,  these  much  enlarged;  bands  in  lower  jaw  widest  in  front, 
becoming  narrow  at  sides,  the  inner  series  larger,  increasing  in  size 
at  sides  where  the  outer  series  disappears;  teeth  in  large  examples 
proportionately  very  much  smaller  than  in  young ;  in  our  largest  speci- 
men, 485  mm.  long,  the  large  pair  of  canines  at  tip  of  upper  jaw  miss- 
ing; scales  small,  cycloid,  those  on  head  and  anterior  portion  of  body 
embedded;  lateral  line  somewhat  arched,  becoming  straight  in  front 
of  vertical  of  vent;  stomach  with  4  caeca;  air  bladder  anteriorly  with 
3  horns,  all  separate  at  the  base,  those  at  sides  with  a  strong  curve; 
dorsal  fins  separate;  the  spinous  dorsal  moderately  elevated,  the  spines 
rather  weak,  the  second  and  third  about  equal  in  length,  1.7  to  2.3  in 
head,  the  following  spines  decreasing  rapidly  in  length,  making  the 
outer  margin  of  fin  distinctly  concave;  soft  dorsal  without  distinct 
sheath  of  scales  at  base,  small  scales  encroaching  on  base  of  anterior 
rays;  caudal  subtruncate  or  rounded  in  young,  the  middle  rays  the 
longest,  lunate  in  adult,  with  the  outer  rays  the  longest;  anal  rather 
long,  the  spines  small,  scarcely  distinguishable,  the  base  of  fin  anteriorly 
with  small  scales ;  ventrals  very  short,  about  half  length  of  head ;  pec- 
torals short,  not  reaching  tips  of  ventrals,  1 .7  to  2  in  head. 

Color  grayish  silvery  above,  with  bluish  and  greenish  reflections, 
silvery  below;  inside  of  mouth  yellow;  opercular  lining  black;  young 
with  a  dark  blotch  on  opercle ;  axil  black ;  peritoneum  pale ;  fins  mostly 
dusky;  anal  and  lower  lobe  of  caudal  yellowish. 

This  species  is  here  described  from  specimens  varying  from  90  to 
485  mm.  in  length.  Our  specimens  are  14  in  number.  This  species  is 
close  to  C.  leiarchus  of  the  Atlantic,  from  which  it,  however,  differs 
somewhat  in  having  a  less  compressed  body,  and  fewer  scales  on  the 
vertical  fins.  There  is  also  a  difference  in  the  shape  of  the  spinous  dor- 
sal, the  outer  margin  of  the  fin  being  concave,  whereas  in  C.  leiarchus 
it  is  convex. 

Known  from  the  Pacific  coast  of  Panama  to  Peru.  Our  specimens 
are  from  Chame  Point,  Balboa,  and  the  Panama  City  market. 

480.  Cynoscion  reticulatus  (Gunther). 

Otolithus  reticulatus  Gunther,  Proc.  Zool.  Soc.  London,  1864,  149  (San 

Jose,  and  Chiapam,  Guatemala). 
Cynoscion  reticulatum  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1881, 

232. 
Cestreus  reticulatus  Jordan  &  Eigenmann,  Rept.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm., 

XIV,  1886  (1889),  368. 


662    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

Cynoscion  reticulatus  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.   U.   S.   Nat.   Mus., 

XLVII,  1898,  1408;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV., 

1904,  119. 

Head  3.4  to  3.7;  depth  4.2  to  4.5;  D.  X-I,  25  to  28;  A.  II,  9; 
scales  in  89  to  102  transverse  series  above  lateral  line. 

Body  elongate,  somewhat  compressed;  the  back  scarcely  elevated; 
ventral  outline  more  strongly  rounded  than  the  dorsal;  profile  from 
tip  of  snout  to  origin  of  spinous  dorsal  almost  straight ;  head  conical ; 
snout  3.4  to  4.1  in  head;  eye  4.2  to  5.2;  the  lower  jaw  projecting; 
mouth  large,  oblique;  the  premaxillaries  anteriorly  about  on  level  with 
middle  of  eye;  maxillary  reaching  posterior  margin  of  eye,  1.8  to  2.1 
in  head ;  posterior  nostril  oval  in  form,  much  larger  than  anterior  nos- 
tril ;  preopercle  with  a  crenulate  membranous  margin ;  gill-rakers  mod- 
erately strong,  with  serrations  on  inward  edge,  6  to  8  below  angle  on 
anterior  arch ;  pseudobranchiae  moderately  developed ;  teeth  in  the  jaws 
rather  large,  mostly  in  two  series,  directed  inward  and  backward, 
mostly  canine-like;  upper  jaw  with  a  pair  of  strong  canines  in  front; 
scales  rather  small,  ctenoid;  lateral  line  becoming  straight  well  in  ad- 
vance of  vent;  dorsal  fins  notched  to  the  base,  separate;  spinous  dor- 
sal rather  high,  the  spines  weak  and  flexible,  the  longest  1.6  to  2.2  in 
head ;  soft  dorsal  long,  with  a  scaly  sheath  at  base,  no  scales  on  fin, 
the  rays  decreasing  in  length  posteriorly;  caudal  slightly  double  trun- 
cate, the  middle  rays  slightly  the  longest,  at  least  in  young;  anal  rays 
rather  long,  the  spines  small  and  embedded  in  heavy  skin;  ventrals 
short,  scarcely  more  than  half  the  length  of  head;  pectorals  rather 
long,  reaching  tips  of  ventrals,  1.35  to  1.6  in  head. 

Color  reddish  brown  above,  silvery  below ;  back  and  sides  with 
dark  brown  streaks  and  reticulations ;  lower  part  of  sides  from  tip  of 
snout  to  base  of  caudal  with  dark  points;  axil  dusky  above;  dorsals 
and  caudal  somewhat  dusky ;  caudal  yellowish  in  life ;  other  fins  pale. 

This  species  is  here  described  from  specimens  ranging  from  250 
to  360  mm.  in  length.  Our  collection  contains  6  specimens.  This  fish 
is  said  to  reach  a  large  size,  but  no  large  individuals  were  seen  by  us. 

Known  from  the  Pacific  coast  of  tropical  America,  from  Mazatlan 
to  Panama.  Our  specimens  are  all  from  the  Panama  City  market. 

481.  Cynoscion  jamaicensis  (Vaillant  &  Bocourt). 

Otolithus  jamaicensis  Vaillant  &  Bocourt,  Miss.  Sci.  Mex.,  etc.,  Pt. 

IV,  1883,  156,  PI.  VI,  figs,  i,  la,  ib,  ic,  id  (Jamaica). 
Cynoscion  jamaicensis  Jordan  &  Rutter,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila., 

1897,  114;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII, 

1898,  1406;  Fowler,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1916,  404  (Colon). 


APRIL  15,  1925.  FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.   663 

Head  3.2  to  3.4;  depth  3.55  to  3.8;  D.  X-I,  23  to  25;  A.  II,  9; 
scales  in  68  to  79  transverse  series  above  lateral  line. 

Body  compressed,  rather  deep;  the  back  moderately  elevated;  an- 
terior profile  slightly  convex;  ventral  and  dorsal  outlines  about  evenly 
curved ;  head  compressed,  rather  deep ;  the  snout  rather  short  and  blunt, 
its  length  3.5  to  3.9  in  head;  eye  large,  3.8  to  4.0;  the  lower  jaw  little 
projecting;  mouth  large,  oblique;  the  maxillary  reaching  to  or  slightly 
past  posterior  margin  of  pupil,  2  to  2.15  in  head;  snout  without  pores 
or  slits;  posterior  nostril  an  oblong  slit;  preopercle  with  a  stri- 
ated membranous  border;  gill-rakers  rather  short,  with  strong  serra- 
tions on  inner  edge,  7  or  8  below  angle  on  anterior  arch;  pseudo- 
branchiae  well  developed ;  teeth  rather  weak,  mostly  in  two  series,  one 
of  the  pair  of  large  canines  in  front  of  upper  jaw  often  missing;  scales 
rather  large,  ctenoid;  lateral  line  arched,  bent  downward  rather  ab- 
ruptly and  becoming  straight  under  anterior  rays  of  second  dorsal; 
spinous  dorsal  rather  low,  the  spines  flexible,  the  longest  1.95  to  2  in 
head ;  soft  dorsal  without  a  distinct  sheath  of  scales  at  base,  lower  two- 
thirds  of  fin  scaly ;  caudal  slightly  double  concave,  the  median  rays  the 
longest,  basal  portion  of  fin  covered  with  small  scales;  anal  small, 
scaly,  the  spines  very  weak,  embedded  in  skin  so  that  they  are  not 
readily  distinguishable;  ventrals  and  pectorals  of  about  equal  length, 
the  latter  not  reaching  tips  of  the  former,  1.55  to  1.65  in  head. 

Color  brownish  above,  silvery  below ;  sides  with  dusky  punctulations ; 
rows  of  scales  above  lateral  line  with  faint  dark  streaks,  which  run  ob- 
liquely upward  and  backward,  becoming  horizontal  only  on  caudal 
peduncle;  upper  half  of  axil  black;  lining  of  gill-covers  black;  a  blu- 
ish black  blotch  at  upper  anterior  angle  of  opercle ;  dorsals,  caudal  and 
pectorals  dusky ;  dorsals  and  caudal  with  a  black  margin ;  upper  ray  of 
pectoral  black;  anal  and  ventrals  pale. 

Of  this  species  3  specimens,  175  to  240  mm.  long,  were  obtained. 
It  is  here  described  from  these  and  one  additional  specimen,  270  mm. 
long,  from  Porto  Rico. 

This  fish  is  known  only  from  the  West  Indies  and  Colon.  Our 
specimens  are  from  the  Colon  market. 

482.  Cynoscion  stolzmanni  (Steindachner). 

Otolithus  stolzmanni  Steindachner,  Denkschr.  Ak.  Wiss.  Wien,  XLI, 

1879,  35,  PL  II,  fig.  i  (Tumbez,  Peru). 
Cynoscion  stolzmanni  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  I, 

1881    (1882),  320;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 


664    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

XLVII,  1898,  1412;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV, 

1904,  119. 
Cestreus  stolzmanni  Jordan  &  Eigenmann,  Kept.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm., 

XIV,  1886  (1889),  370. 

Head  3.6  to  4;  depth  3.9  to  4.9;  D.  IX-I  or  X-I,  19  to  21 ;  A.  II,  9; 
scales  in  72  to  85  transverse  series  above  lateral  line. 

Body  elongate,  somewhat  compressed;  anterior  profile  straight; 
ventral  outline  anteriorly  much  more  rounded  than  the  dorsal;  head 
somewhat  compressed ;  snout  long,  conical,  without  slits  or  pores,  its 
length  3.3  to  4.4  in  head;  eye  5.2  to  7.65;  lower  jaw  projecting; 
mouth  large,  oblique;  the  premaxillaries  anteriorly  on  level  with  up- 
per margin  of  eye;  maxillary  reaching  to  or  past  posterior  margin  of 
eye,  2  to  2.3  in  head ;  no  slits  or  pores  on  snout ;  posterior  nostril  an 
oblong  slit,  in  contact  with  adipose  eyelid;  preopercle  with  a  crenulate 
membranous  margin;  gill-rakers  rather  long,  with  strong  serrations  on 
inner  edge,  6  to  8  on  lower  limb  of  anterior  arch;  pseudobranchiae 
present,  rather  small;  teeth  mostly  in  2  series;  canines  in  upper  jaw 
present  at  all  ages;  scales  moderate,  weakly  ctenoid,  apparently  be- 
coming smoother  with  age;  lateral  line  somewhat  arched,  becoming 
straight  at  about  vertical  from  origin  of  second  dorsal ;  stomach  with 
4  caeca;  air  bladder  tapering  posteriorly,  coming  to  a  sharp  point  near 
vent,  anteriorly  with  3  distinct  appendages,  one  arising  from  the  an- 
terior end  of  bladder,  the  others  from  lateral  sides  of  anterior  fourth 
of  bladder;  spinous  dorsal  moderately  elevated,  the  spines  flexible,  the 
longest  1.65  to  2.16  in  head;  soft  dorsal  with  a  low  scaly  sheath  at 
base,  composed  of  one  row  of  scales,  no  scales  on  fin,  the  rays  decreas- 
ing in  length  posteriorly;  caudal  fin  slightly  double  truncate  in  young, 
the  middle  rays  the  longest,  the  upper  angle  produced  in  adult;  anal 
fin  large,  the  spines  small,  embedded;  ventral  fins  rather  long,  longer 
than  pectorals,  the  latter  1.8  to  2.1  in  head. 

Color  steel-blue  above,  silvery  below ;  sides  with  dark  points ;  oper- 
cular  lining  and  upper  half  of  axil  black;  ventrals  pale;  all  other  fins 
with  more  or  less  dusky;  soft  dorsal  with  black  margin. 

Of  this  species  10  specimens  were  preserved.  They  range  from 
285  to  900  mm.  in  length,  and  form  the  basis  of  the  above  descrip- 
tion. Much  larger  examples  were  seen.  It  grows  to  a  large  size  and 
is  a  food  fish  of  importance. 

Known  from  the  Pacific  coast  of  tropical  America,  from  Panama 
to  Peru.  Our  specimens  are  from  Chame  Point ;  Panama  Bay,  Balboa, 
and  the  Panama  City  market. 


APRIL  15,  1925.  FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.  665 

483.  Cynoscion  albus  (Giinther). 

Otolithus  albus  Giinther,  Proc.  Zool.  Soc.  London,  1864,  149  (Chiapam, 

Guatemala). 
Otolithus  cayennensis  Vaillant  &  Bocourt,  Miss.  Sci.  Mex.,  etc.,  Pt.  IV, 

1883,  156  (La  Union). 
Cynoscion  album  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  I,  1881 

(1882),  319- 
Cestreus  albus  Jordan  &  Eigenmann,  Kept.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  XIV, 

1886  (1889),  370. 
Cynoscion  albus  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  119. 

Head  3.45  to  3.7;  depth  4.1  to  4.44;  D.  IX-I  or  X-I,  19  to  22;  A. 
II,  8  or  9;  scales  in  82  to  90  transverse  series  above  lateral  line. 

Body  rather  robust,  compressed;  the  back  somewhat  elevated;  pro- 
file convex  over  snout,  straight  over  head;  dorsal  and  ventral  outlines 
anteriorly  about  evenly  rounded ;  head  large,  not  much  compressed ;  the 
snout  rather  short  and  blunt,  without  slits  or  pores,  its  length  4.0  to 
5.3  in  head;  eye  6.0  to  8.5;  the  lower  jaw  protruding;  mouth  large, 
oblique;  the  premaxillaries  anteriorly  on  level  with  lower  margin  of 
pupil;  the  maxillary  reaching  well  past  posterior  margin  of  eye,  2.1  to 
2.2  in  head ;  eye  small,  varying  greatly  with  age ;  anterior  nostril  small 
and  rounded ;  posterior  nostril  oval,  much  wider  than  in  C.  stolzmanni; 
preopercle  with  crenulate  membranous  margin ;  gill-rakers  long,  the  in- 
ner edge  with  strong  serrations,  8  or  9  on  lower  limb  of  anterior  arch ; 
pseudobranchise  small ;  teeth  as  in  other  species,  mostly  in  two  series ; 
canines  present  at  all  ages;  teeth  in  large  examples  proportionately 
much  smaller  than  in  young;  scales  moderate,  ctenoid;  lateral  line 
arched,  becoming  straight  well  in  advance  of  vent;  spinous  dorsal  high, 
the  spines  rather  strong,  the  longest  1.85  to  2.6  in  head;  soft  dorsal 
with  a  high  scaly  sheath  at  base,  composed  of  2  or  3  rows  of  scales, 
the  young  with  small  scales  on  anterior  rays  of  fin,  these  missing  in 
our  large  examples,  the  rays  decreasing  in  length  posteriorly;  caudal 
sublanceolate,  the  middle  rays  much  longer  than  others ;  anal  rays  long, 
the  spines  small  and  embedded ;  ventrals  moderate,  shorter  than  pec- 
torals, reaching  half  way  to  vent  in  young,  shorter  in  adult;  pectorals 
long,  reaching  to  or  nearly  to  tips  of  ventrals,  1.48  to  1.6  in  head. 

Color  bluish  gray  above,  silvery  below ;  sides  with  dark  points ;  oper- 
cular  lining  black ;  axil  not  black ;  dorsals  and  caudal  dusky ;  other  fins 
pale. 

Our  collection  contains  but  two  large  specimens  of  this  species.  The 
above  description  is  based  on  these  and  three  additional  specimens  from 


666    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

the  U.  S.  National  Museum  collection.  Specimens  examined  vary  in 
length  from  400  to  650  mm.  This  fish  grows  to  a  large  size. 

This  species  is  distinguished  from  C.  stolsmanni  by  the  wider  and 
more  rounded  snout,  higher  sheath  of  scales  at  base  of  soft  dorsal,  the 
sublanceolate  caudal,  the  absence  of  a  black  axil,  and  by  the  much  longer 
pectorals. 

Known  from  the  Pacific  coast  of  tropical  America,  from  Panama 
south  to  Ecuador.  Our  specimens  were  taken  at  Chame  Point. 

174.  Genus  Menticirrhus  Gill. 

Menticirrhus  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1861,  86  (type  Perca  al- 

burnus  Linnaeus  =  Cyprinus  americanus  Linnaeus) . 
Umbrula  Jordan  &  Eigenmann,  Kept.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  XIV,  1886 
(1889),  424  (type  Umbrina  littoralis  Holbrook). 
Body  elongate,  little  compressed ;  head  long,  subconical ;  the  snout 
blunt,  always  projecting  considerably  beyond  mouth;  the  mouth  hori- 
zontal, inferior ;  both  jaws  with  bands  of  villiform  teeth,  the  outer  row 
in  upper  jaw  more  or  less  enlarged ;  upper  lip  with  slits  and  pores ;  the 
chin  with  a  single  stoutish  barbel;  gill-rakers  short,  tubercular  or  ob- 
solete; dorsal  spines  high,  flexible,  10  or  n  in  number;  anal  fin  with 
a  single  weak  spine;  no  air  bladder;  lower  pharyngeals  separate,  the 
teeth  varying  from  very  sharp  to  obtuse. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES. 

a.  Gill-rakers  present;   snout  projecting  very  little  beyond   pre- 
maxillary,  not  more  than  one-third  length  of  eye;  mouth  small, 
the  maxillary  not  reaching  beyond  anterior  margin  of  pupil; 
teeth  in  outer  series  of  upper  jaw  scarcely  enlarged ;  scales  on 
breast  small.  elongatus,  p.  667. 

aa.  Gill-rakers  obsolete  or  tubercular,  more  developed  in  the  young ; 
snout  projecting  beyond  premaxillary  from  one-half  to  two- 
thirds  the  length  of  the  eye;  mouth  large,  the  maxillary  reach- 
ing past  the  anterior  margin  of  the  pupil ;  teeth  in  outer  series 
of  upper  jaw  more  or  less  enlarged ;  scales  on  breast  large. 

b.  Upper  lobe  of  caudal  fin  projecting  beyond  the  lower  lobe ;  sec- 
ond and  third  dorsal  spines  produced,  of  about  equal  length, 
longer  than  the  fourth  spine;  posterior  nostril  reaching  adipose 
eyelid;  eye  large,  4.2  to  5  in  head  in  specimens  ranging  from 
200  to  300  mm.  in  length ;  outer  series  of  teeth  in  upper  jaw  not 
greatly  enlarged.  nasus,  p.  668. 


APRIL  15,  1925.  FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.   667 

bb.  Upper  lobe  of  caudal  fin  shorter  than  lower  lobe ;  third  dorsal 
spine  greatly  produced,  longer  than  the  second,  the  latter  shorter 
than  the  fourth;  posterior  nostril  not  reaching  adipose  eyelid; 
eye  comparatively  smaller,  5.5  to  6.6  in  head  in  specimens  rang- 
ing in  length  from  200  to  300  mm. ;  outer  series  of  teeth  in  up- 
per jaw  notably  enlarged. 

c.  Anal  fin  long,  with  9  soft  rays ;  soft  dorsal  short,  with  19  to  22 
rays,  panamensis ,  p.  669. 

cc.  Anal  fin  short,  with  7  soft  rays;  soft  dorsal  long,  with  22  or  23 
rays,  martinicensis,  p.  670. 

484.  Menticirrhus  elongatus  (Gunther). 

Umbrina  elongata  Gunther,  Proc.  Zool.  Soc.  London,  1864,  148  (Chia- 

pam,  Guatemala). 
Menticirrus  elongatus  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  II, 

1882   (1883),  107;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV, 

1904,  134. 
Menticirrhus  elongatus  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

XLVII,  1898,  1476. 

Head  3.3  to  3.4;  depth  4.5;  D.  X-I,  22  to  24;  A.  I,  7;  scales  above 
lateral  line  80  to  85. 

Body  much  elongated,  little  compressed ;  back  gently  elevated ;  dor- 
sal profile  evenly  convex;  head  long;  snout  blunt,  projecting  beyond  the 
premaxillaries,  its  length  2.9  to  3  in  head;  eye  5.7  to  5.8;  anterior  nos- 
tril slightly  oval,  with  a  dermal  flap  on  its  posterior  edge;  posterior 
nostril  elliptical,  its  posterior  end  pointed,  placed  well  in  front  of  the 
eye,  its  posterior  edge  removed  from  the  adipose  eyelid  by  a  distance 
equal  to  the  length  of  its  longest  diameter ;  mouth  horizontal,  inferior, 
the  maxillary  reaching  to  or  slightly  past  anterior  margin  of  pupil; 
teeth  in  bands  on  the  jaws,  the  outer  series  in  the  upper  jaw  but  little 
enlarged;  preopercle  with  a  membranous  edge,  with  a  few  short  and 
well  separated  teeth;  gill-rakers  present,  short  and  blunt,  from  3  to  5 
below  angle  on  anterior  arch ;  pseudobranchise  well  developed ;  origin  of 
spinous  dorsal  just  back  of  vertical  of  base  of  pectoral  fins ;  the  spines 
weak  and  flexible,  rather  low,  the  third  the  longest,  reaching  to  origin 
of  soft  dorsal,  1.4  in  head;  soft  dorsal  rather  low,  the  base  very  long, 
much  longer  than  head,  about  3.75  in  length  of  body;  lower  lobe  of 
caudal  shorter  than  upper;  anal  fin  small,  the  rays  rather  high,  the 
base  very  short ;  pectoral  rather  short  and  broad,  reaching  but  slightly 
past  tips  of  ventrals,  1.4  in  head. 

Color  bluish  on  back  and  sides,  silvery  below. 


668    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

This  species  was  not  taken  by  us  at  Panama.  Gilbert  &  Starks 
(Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  134)  report  having  seen  it  frequently. 
It  is  here  described  from  two  specimens,  310  and  330  mm.  in  length,  one 
from  Panama,  and  the  other  from  Mazatlan. 

This  species  is  known  to  range  from  Mazatlan  to  Panama. 

485.  Menticirrhus  nasus  (Giinther). 

Umbrina  nasus  Gunther,  Trans.  Zool.   Soc.   London,  VI,   1869,  426 

(Panama). 
Menticirrus  nasus  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  II,  1882 

(1883),  107  and  in;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV, 

1904,  133- 
Menticirrhus  simus  Jordan  &  Eigenmann,  Rept.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm., 

XIV,  1886  (1889),  427. 
Menticirrhus  nasus  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII, 

1898,  1473. 

Head  3.25  to  3.65;  depth  3.55  to  4.4;  D.  X-I,  21  to  23;  A.  I,  8, 
rarely  I,  9;  scales  above  the  lateral  line  54  to  64. 

Body  elongate,  not  much  compressed ;  the  back  regularly  arched ; 
head  long,  subconical ;  snout  long  and  blunt,  projecting  beyond  the  pre- 
maxillaries,  its  length  3.1  to  3.4  in  head;  eye  4.15  to  5;  anterior  nos- 
tril round  or  slightly  oval,  with  a  dermal  flap  on  its  posterior  edge; 
posterior  nostril  broadly  to  narrowly  elliptical,  its  posterior  end  pointed 
and  reaching  the  beginning  of  adipose  eyelid ;  mouth  horizontal,  infer- 
ior; upper  lip  with  five  incisions,  a  large  pore  at  the  forward  end  of 
each;  3  smaller  pores  in  front  of  these  under  tip  of  snout;  maxillary 
reaching  almost  to  posterior  margin  of  pupil;  lower  jaw  with  a  single 
large,  thickish  barbel  at  its  tip,  with  two  large  pores  in  the  lower  lip 
on  either  side  of  it;  teeth  small,  in  bands  in  the  jaws,  the  outer  rows 
usually  more  or  less  enlarged ;  preopercle  with  a  membranous  border, 
with  few  widely  separated  teeth;  gill-rakers  obsolete;  pseudobranchise 
well  developed ;  scales  large  and  strongly  ctenoid ;  first  dorsal  beginning 
at  vertical  from  back  of  base  of  pectorals;  spines  rather  long  and 
flexible;  the  second  and  third  much  produced,  reaching  to  or  past  or- 
igin of  second  dorsal  to  third  or  fourth  ray,  I  to  1.45  in  head;  base  of 
soft  dorsal  very  long,  about  2.75  in  length  of  body,  the  rays  rather 
low;  caudal  fin  S-shaped,  the  upper  angulated  lobe  longer  than  the 
lower  rounded  lobe ;  anal  fin  small,  the  spine  very  weak,  the  rays  rather 
high ;  pectoral  fins  wide,  not  quite  reaching  to  vertical  of  anal  open- 
ing, i.i  to  1.2  in  head;  ventral  fins  short,  reaching  only  about  half 
the  distance  from  their  base  to  origin  of  anal  fin. 


APRIL  15,  1925.  FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.   669 

Color  dark  grayish  above,  more  or  less  silvery  on  sides,  paler  below ; 
sides  and  often  the  belly  with  dusky  punctulations ;  some  specimens 
with  about  3  dark  bars  on  sides,  these  running  obliquely  upward  and 
backward,  the  last  one  becoming  quite  horizontal  on  caudal  peduncle; 
these  bars  entirely  missing  on  several  specimens ;  fins  all  dusky. 

Here  described  from  a  series  of  16  specimens,  ranging  in  length 
from  220  to  280  mm.  A  study  of  our  series  substantiates  the  finding 
of  Gilbert  &  Starks  (Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  133)  that  M. 
nasus  Giinther  and  M.  simus  Jordan  and  Eigenmann  are  identical. 

This  species  is  found  on  the  Pacific  coast  from  Mazatlan  to  Panama. 
Our  specimens  are  from  Balboa  and  the  Panama  City  market. 

486.  Menticirrhus  panamensis  (Steindachner). 

Umbrina    panamensis    Steindachner,     (Sitzb.    k.    Ak.    Wiss.    Wien, 

LXXII),  Ichth.  Beitr.,  IV,  1875,  9  (Panama). 
Menticirrus  panamensis  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm., 

II,  1882  (1883),  107  and  in;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac. 

Sci.,  IV,  1904,  134. 
Menticirrhus  panamensis  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

XLVII,  1898,  1473. 

Head  3.2  to  3.4;  depth  3.85  to  4.6;  D.  X-I,  19  to  22 ;  A.  I,  9;  scales 
above  lateral  line  57  to  66. 

Body  elongate,  not  much  compressed;  back  but  little  arched;  pro- 
file from  tip  of  snout  to  origin  of  spinous  dorsal  almost  straight;  head 
long,  conical;  snout  long  and  blunt,  projecting  beyond  the  premaxil- 
laries,  its  length  3.3  to  3.8  in  head;  eye  3.3  (young)  to  6.6  (adult)  ; 
anterior  nostril  round  or  slightly  oval;  the  posterior  nostril  oval,  its 
posterior  edge  not  reaching  eye  by  the  length  of  its  longest  diameter; 
eye  small,  comparatively  much  smaller  than  in  M.  nasus,  varying  greatly 
with  age;  mouth  horizontal,  inferior;  maxillary  extending  to  posterior 
margin  of  pupil;  upper  lip  and  lower  jaw  as  in  M.  nasus;  teeth  in 
bands  in  the  jaws,  the  outer  series  enlarged,  especially  those  of  the 
upper  jaw;  preopercle  with  a  membranous  edge  with  few  and  widely 
separated  teeth;  gill-rakers  somewhat  developed  in  young,  tubercular 
in  adult;  pseudobranchise  well  developed;  scales  strongly  ctenoid;  or- 
igin of  spinous  dorsal  a  short  distance  back  of  vertical  from  base  of 
pectorals,  the  spines  long  and  flexible,  the  third  spine  the  longest,  reach- 
ing past  origin  of  soft  dorsal  to  about  the  third  or  fourth  ray,  i.i  to 
1.4  in  head;  soft  dorsal  low,  its  base  long,  equal  to  or  a  little  longer 
than  head ;  lower  lobe  of  caudal  fin  notably  longer  than  upper  lobe ;  pec- 


670    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

toral  fin  large,  reaching  considerably  past  tips  of  ventrals,  1.2  to  1.45 
in  head ;  ventral  fins  short,  not  nearly  reaching  vent. 

Color  brownish  above,  lighter  below;  sides  and  belly  with  brown 
punctulations ;  our  small  specimens  with  traces  of  darker  oblique  bars 
and  blotches  on  sides ;  fins  mostly  dusky,  sometimes  almost  black. 

This  species  is  represented  by  8  specimens  in  the  present  collection, 
ranging  in  length  from  70  to  230  mm. 

M.  panamensis  differs  from  M.  nasus  in  having  a  smaller  eye,  larger 
teeth  in  the  outer  row  of  the  upper  jaw  and  smaller  nostrils  placed 
further  from  the  eye.  The  anal  fin  almost  constantly  has  one  more 
ray,  and  the  upper  lobe  of  the  caudal  is  shorter  than  the  lower  lobe. 

This  species  is  found  on  the  Pacific  coast  from  Mazatlan  to  Peru. 
Our  specimens  are  from  Chame  Point,  Balboa,  and  Panama  City 
market. 

487.  Menticirrhus  martinicensis  (Cuvier  &  Valenciennes). 
Umbrina  martinicensis  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  V, 

1830,  1 86  (Martinique). 
Umbrina  gracilis  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  V,  1830, 

189  (Brazil). 

Umbrina  arenata  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  V,  1830, 

190  (Brazil). 

Umbrina  januaria  Steindachner,  (Sitzb.  k.  Ak.  Wiss.  Wien,  LXXIV), 

Ichth.  Beitr.,  V,  1876,  122  (Rio  de  Janeiro). 
Menticirrhus  martinicensis  Jordan  &  Eigenmann,   Rept.  U.   S.   Fish 

Comm.,  XIV,  1886  (1889),  429;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S. 

Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1898,  1473. 

Head  3.35  to  3.5;  depth  3.8  to  4.15;  D.  X-I,  22  or  23;  A.  I,  7; 
scales  above  lateral  line  72  to  78. 

Body  elongate,  not  much  compressed ;  the  back  gently  elevated  and 
evenly  arched;  head  rather  long,  subconical;  the  snout  long  and  blunt, 
projecting  beyond  the  premaxillaries,  its  length  3.2  to  3.7  in  head ;  eye 
4  to  6.4;  anterior  nostril  rounded,  the  posterior  one  elliptical,  its  pos- 
terior end  pointed,  not  quite  reaching  adipose  eyelid;  eye  small,  vary- 
ing greatly  with  age;  mouth  horizontal,  inferior;  maxillary  reaching 
from  below  middle  of  eye  to  posterior  margin  of  pupil ;  teeth  in  bands 
in  the  jaws,  the  outer  row  in  upper  jaw  much  enlarged ;  preopercle  with 
a  membranous  border,  with  well  separated  teeth;  gill-rakers  tubercular 
in  adult,  somewhat  more  developed  in  young;  pseudobranchiae  well 
developed ;  origin  of  spinous  dorsal  at  vertical  of  base  of  pectorals,  the 
spines  of  moderate  length,  flexible,  the  third  the  longest,  sometimes 


APRIL  15,  1925.  FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.   671 

scarcely  reaching  origin  of  soft  dorsal,  often  reaching  past  origin  of 
soft  dorsal  to  second  or  third  ray,  1.35  to  1.65  in  head;  soft  dorsal  low, 
its  base  long,  about  2.75  in  body;  lower  lobe  of  caudal  fin  projecting; 
anal  fin  short,  the  rays  rather  high;  pectoral  fins  broad  but  not  very 
long,  i  .2  to  i  .45  in  head ;  ventral  fins  very  short,  extending  only  a  little 
more  than  half  the  distance  from  their  base  to  origin  of  anal,  propor- 
tionately much  longer  in  young. 

Color  grayish  silvery ;  often  with  oblique  bars  and  blotches  on  back 
and  sides ;  fins  all  with  more  or  less  dusky,  sometimes  quite  dark. 

Of  this  species  13  specimens  were  obtained.  They  vary  in  length 
from  65  to  290  mm. 

M.  martinicensis  is  certainly  very  close  to  M.  americanus.  After 
comparing  the  present  series  with  a  large  series  of  M.  americanus  from 
various  points  along  the  southern  coast  of  the  United  States,  we  note 
no  difference  other  than  that  M.  martinicensis  constantly  has  one  or 
two  fewer  rays  in  the  second  dorsal  fin.  It  may  then  be  regarded  as  a 
southern  form  of  M.  americanus. 

Ranges  from  the  West  Indies  to  Patagonia.  Our  specimens  are 
from  Fox  Bay,  Colon,  and  Colon  market. 

175.  Genus  Paralonchums  Bocourt. 

Paralonchurus  Bocourt,  Nouv.  Arch.  Mus.  Hist.  Nat.  Paris,  V,  1869, 

21   (type  Paralonchurus  peter  si  Bocourt). 
Polycirrhus  Bocourt,  Nouv.  Arch.  Mus.  Hist.  Nat.  Paris,  V,  1869,  22 

(type  Polycirrhus  dumerili  Bocourt,  name  preoccupied). 
Polyclemus  Berg,  Anal.  Mus.  Nac.  Buenos  Aires,  IV,  1895,  54  (type 
Polycirrhus  dumerili  Bocourt;  substitute  for  Polycirrhus,  preoccu- 
pied). 

Body  more  or  less  elongate ;  preopercle  with  a  serrated  membranous 
border;  a  row  of  slender  barbels  on  inner  edge  of  the  dentary  bones, 
and  a  tuft  at  the  chin ;  pseudobranchiae  obsolete  or  nearly  so ;  gill-rakers 
little  developed;  teeth  in  jaws  in  bands,  the  outer  ones  sometimes  en- 
larged ;  soft  dorsal  long  and  low,  caudal  fin  rather  long,  usually  more  or 
less  pointed. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES. 

a.  Body  with  more  or  less  distinct  cross-bars;  eye  moderate  or 
rather  large,  4.5  to  6.6  in  head ;  pectoral  fin  rather  small,  equal 
to  or  shorter  than  head,  not  reaching  vent ;  outer  teeth  in  upper 
jaw  not  notably  enlarged;  scales  on  sides  and  back  strongly 
ctenoid. 


672    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

b.  Anal  fin  small,  with  7  soft  rays ;  soft  dorsal  moderate,  23  to  27 
rays. 

c.  Body  with  very  prominent  broad  black  cross-bars;  soft  dorsal 
short,  with  23  or  24  rays ;  eye  large,  4.75  to  5  in  head. 

dumerilii,  p.  672. 
cc.  Body  dusky,  with  rather  indistinct  cross-bars ;  soft  dorsal  longer, 

with  26  or  27  rays ;  eye  small,  6  to  6.6  in  head,  goodei,  p.  673. 
bb.  Anal  fin  larger,  with  8  or  9  soft  rays ;  soft  dorsal  long,  with  29 

or  30  rays. 

d.  Body  with  4  or  5  very  faint,  broad,  dusky  cross-bands;  eye 
large,  4.5  to  4.7  in  head;  caudal  fin  more  or  less  truncate,  not 
pointed ;  outer  ray  of  ventral  fins  produced  in  a  filament. 

rathbuni,  p.  674. 

dd.  Body  with  8  or  9  rather  narrow,  distinct  cross-bands ;  eye  small, 
5-3  to  5.5  in  head;  caudal  fin  more  or  less  pointed;  outer  ray 
of  ventrals  not  produced  in  a  filament.  brasiliensis,  p.  675. 

aa.  Body  without  dark  cross-bars;  eye  very  small,  about  9  in 
head;  pectoral  fins  very  large,  somewhat  longer  than  head, 
reaching  vent;  outer  teeth  in  upper  jaw  notably  enlarged;  scales 
on  sides  and  back  cycloid  or  nearly  so.  petersi,  p.  676. 

488.  Paralonchurus  dumerilii  (Bocourt). 

Polycirrhus  dumerilii   Bocourt,   Bull.    Nouv.   Arch.    Mus.    Hist.    Nat. 

Paris,  V,  1869,  22  (La  Union,  San  Salvador). 
Genyanemus    fasciatus    Steindachner,     (Sitzb.    k.    Ak.    Wiss.    Wien, 

LXXI)  Ichth.  Beitr.,  II,  1875,  31   (Panama). 
Paralonchurus  dumerili  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

XLVII,  1898,  1478. 
Polyclemus  dumerili  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904, 

134- 

Head  3.3  to  3.75;  depth  3.1  to  3.5;  D.  IX-I,  23  or  24;  A.  II,  7; 
scales  above  lateral  line  58  to  68. 

Body  somewhat  elongate,  compressed,  the  depth  increasing  greatly 
with  age ;  the  back  elevated ;  anterior  profile  rather  steep,  concave  over 
orbits ;  head  low  and  wide,  as  wide  as  deep  at  eyes ;  the  snout  wide  and 
thick,  projecting  beyond  the  premaxillaries,  its  length  3.2  to  3.6  in  head ; 
eye  4.7  to  5.3 ;  mouth  inferior,  almost  horizontal ;  the  maxillary  reaching 
to  or  slightly  past  the  middle  of  the  eye,  2.75  to  3  in  head ;  teeth  in  the 
jaws  minute,  none  of  them  notably  enlarged ;  preopercle  with  a  ciliated 
membranous  edge;  gill-rakers  tubercular,  5  to  7  below  angle  on  an- 
terior arch  more  or  less  developed;  pseudobranchiae  absent;  scales  all 


APRIL  15,  1925.  FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    673 

strongly  ctenoid,  except  those  below  eyes,  on  snout  and  on  the  an- 
terior portion  of  the  breast;  spinous  dorsal  rather  high,  origin  over 
base  of  pectorals,  the  spines  flexible;  soft  dorsal  long,  rather  low, 
with  a  scaly  sheath  at  base,  small  scales  on  membrane  between  rays; 
caudal  fin  somewhat  truncate,  the  rays  just  below  the  middle  of  the  fin 
the  longest;  anal  fin  short,  the  rays  long,  the  second  spine  strong,  3  to 
3.8  in  head ;  ventral  fins  inserted  at  vertical  from  back  of  base  of  pec- 
torals, the  outer  ray  produced  in  a  short  filament;  pectoral  fins  very 
short  and  wide,  not  reaching  tip  of  ventrals,  1.3  to  1.5  in  head. 

Color  above  bluish,  with  silvery  reflections ;  sides  silvery  and  golden, 
sprinkled  with  rusty  punctulations ;  head  steel-blue,  sides  with  six  jet 
black  vertical  bars ;  dorsal  and  anal  bluish  green ;  dorsal  with  black  mar- 
gin; other  fins  all  yellowish  at  base,  with  bluish  punctulations  at  tips. 
(Color  description  from  field  notes.) 

Of  this  abundant  species  15  specimens,  ranging  from  240  to  335 
mm.  in  length,  were  taken. 

Known  from  Panama  Bay  to  Ecuador.  Our  specimens  are  from 
Balboa,  and  the  Panama  City  market. 

489.  Paralonchurus  goodei  Gilbert. 

Paralonchurus  goodei  Gilbert,  in  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat. 

Mus.,  XLVII,  1898,  1480  (Panama). 
Polyclemus  goodei  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904, 

135,  PI.  XX,  figs.  40,  40a;  Kendall  &  Radcliffe,  Memoir.  Mus. 

Comp.  Zool.,  XXXV,  1912,  125. 

Head  3.9  to  4.15  ;  depth  3.7  to  4.3  ;  D.  X-I,  26  or  27 ;  A.  II,  7 ;  scales 
above  lateral  line  69  to  80. 

Body  elongate,  compressed  posteriorly;  the  back  moderately  ele- 
vated; anterior  profile  more  or  less  depressed  over  orbits;  head  short 
and  broad,  as  broad  as  deep;  snout  blunt,  projecting  beyond  the  pre- 
maxillaries,  its  length  3.4  to  3.7  in  head;  eye  6  to  6.6;  the  mouth  in- 
ferior, almost  horizontal;  the  maxillary  reaching  to  or  almost  to  pos- 
terior margin  of  orbit,  2.7  to  2.9  in  head ;  none  of  the  teeth  in  the  jaws 
notably  enlarged ;  preopercle  with  a  crenated  membranous  edge ;  pseudo- 
branchiae  obsolete ;  gill-rakers  tubercular,  about  5  or  6  below  angle  on 
anterior  arch  more  or  less  developed;  scales  rather  small,  strongly 
ctenoid,  except  on  snout,  below  eye  and  on  breast;  origin  of  first  dor- 
sal over  base  of  pectorals,  the  spines  rather  short  and  strong,  the  third 
and  fourth  the  longest ;  second  dorsal  fin  long,  somewhat  thickened  by 
scales  covering  almost  the  whole  fin;  caudal  fin  with  small  scales,  lan- 
ceolate, the  longest  rays  below  middle  of  fin,  the  lower  angle  much 


674    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

sharper  than  the  upper;  anal  fin  very  small,  the  spines  weak,  the  sec- 
ond 3.2  to  3.7  in  head;  ventral  fins  rather  large,  the  outer  rays  pro- 
duced, inserted  just  posterior  to  base  of  pectorals;  pectorals  rather 
short,  reaching  only  slightly  past  tip  of  ventrals,  equal  to  length  of  head. 

Color  dark  brown  above,  with  bluish  reflections ;  sides  silvery,  with 
brown  punctulations ;  pale  underneath;  back  and  sides  with  4  broad 
inconspicuous  dark  bars;  lower  fins  yellowish  at  base,  bluish  at  tips; 
other  fins  blackish.  (Color  description  from  field  notes.) 

Of  this  species  only  4  specimens  were  obtained,  ranging  from  250 
to  270  mm.  in  length. 

This  fish  is  known  only  from  Panama  Bay.  Our  specimens  are  from 
the  Panama  City  market. 

490.  Paralonchurus  rathbuni  (Jordan  &  Bollman). 

Polycirrhus  rathbuni  Jordan  &  Bollman,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1889, 

162  (Panama). 
Paralonchurus  rathbuni  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

XLVII,  1898,  1479. 
Polyclemus  rathbuni  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904, 

135- 

Head  3.45  to  3.6 ;  depth  4.5  to  4.7 ;  D.  X-I,  29  or  30 ;  A.  II,  9 ;  scales 

54  to  56. 

Body  somewhat  elongate,  compressed;  the  back  elevated;  anterior 
profile  convex  over  snout,  straight  or  slightly  depressed  over  orbits ; 
head  low ;  the  snout  blunt,  projecting  beyond  premaxillaries,  its  length 
3.7  to  4  in  head ;  eye  4.5  to  4.7 ;  mouth  inferior,  horizontal ;  the  maxil- 
lary reaching  to  or  a  little  past  middle  of  pupil,  2.6  in  head;  teeth 
minute,  the  outer  ones  in  upper  jaw  somewhat  enlarged;  preopercle 
with  a  crenulate  membranous  edge;  gill-rakers  short  and  thick,  8  or  9 
below  angle  on  anterior  arch;  scales  on  snout  and  anterior  part  of 
breast  cycloid,  on  back  and  sides  strongly  ctenoid;  origin  of  spinous 
dorsal  over  base  of  pectorals,  rather  high,  the  spines  flexible,  the  third 
and  fourth  the  longest;  the  soft  dorsal  very  long,  not  very  high  and 
not  covered  with  scales;  the  middle  rays  of  the  caudal  the  longest; 
anal  fins  rather  large,  the  spines  short,  the  second  3.1  to  3.3  in  head; 
ventral  fins  short,  not  nearly  reaching  vent,  the  outer  ray  produced 
in  a  filament;  pectorals  not  reaching  to  tip  of  ventrals,  1.6  in  head. 

Color  bluish  silvery  on  back  and  sides,  yellowish  below;  scales  on 
sides  from  base  of  pectorals  to  base  of  caudal  fin  with  large  dusky 
punctulations ;  a  large  black  scapular  blotch ;  sides  with  4  or  5  faint  broad 
dusky  bands;  membrane  of  dorsal  fins  thickly  sprinkled  with  dusky 


APRIL  15,  1925.  FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.   675 

punctulations ;  the  middle  of  soft  dorsal  with  a  pale  streak;  other  fins 
all  more  or  less  dusky. 

Only  the  types,  2  specimens,  170  and  180  mm.  long,  are  known. 
These  were  taken  by  the  Albatross  at  Panama. 

491.  Paralonchurus  brasiliensis  (Steindachner). 

Gcnyanemus   brasiliensis   Steindachner,    (Sitzb.   k.   Ak.    Wiss.    Wien, 

LXXI)  Ichth.  Beitr.,  II,  1875,  34  (Para,  Santos). 
Micropogon  ornatus  Giinther,  Repts.  Voy.  H.  M.  S.  Challenger,  Zool., 

I,  1880,  13,  PI.  VII,  fig.  A  (mouth  of  Rio  de  la  Plata). 
Polycirrhus  brasiliensis  Jordan  &  Eigenmann,  Rept.  U.  S   Fish  Comm 

XIV,  1886  (1889),  415. 

Head  4.1  to  4.2 ;  depth  3.7 ;  D.  X-I,  30 ;  A.  II,  9 ;  scales  above  lateral 
line  68  to  72. 

Body  elongate,  compressed;  the  back  elevated;  profile  very  convex 
over  anterior  portion  of  snout,  almost  straight  from  posterior  nostril  to 
origin  of  dorsal;  head  rather  small,  deeper  than  wide  at  eyes;  snout 
short,  projecting  slightly  beyond  the  premaxillaries,  its  length  3.65  to  4 
in  head ;  eye  5.3  to  5.5 ;  mouth  inferior,  not  quite  horizontal ;  the  maxil- 
lary reaching  to  posterior  margin  of  pupil,  2.7  to  2.85  in  head ;  teeth  in 
the  jaws  minute,  none  of  them  notably  enlarged ;  preopercle  with  a  cili- 
ated membranous  edge;  gill-rakers  short  and  weak,  5  below  angle  on 
anterior  arch;  pseudobranchiae  absent;  scales  all  ctenoid,  except  those 
on  snout  below  eye  and  on  the  breast ;  origin  of  dorsal  slightly  back  of 
base  of  pectorals,  the  spines  rather  high,  weak  and  flexible,  the  third 
and  fourth  the  longest;  soft  dorsal  long,  the  rays  low,  the  posterior 
ones  the  longest ;  caudal  fin  pointed,  the  longest  rays  below  the  middle 
of  the  fin,  a  little  longer  than  the  head ;  second  anal  spine  rather  strong, 
about  half  as  long  as  the  long  soft  rays,  2.8  in  head ;  ventral  fins  in- 
serted back  of  base  of  pectorals,  rather  small,  none  of  the  rays  filamen- 
tous; pectoral  fins  reaching  tip  of  ventrals,  1.15  to  1.2  in  head;  vertical 
fins  all  more  or  less  scaly. 

Color  brownish  above,  silvery  below;  sides  of  body  and  head 
sprinkled  with  brownish  punctulations;  back  and  sides  with  8  or  9 
rather  indistinct  dark  vertical  bars ;  fins  all  with  dusky  punctulations,  the 
lower  ones  paler. 

This  species  is  represented  in  the  present  collection  by  only  2  speci- 
mens, respectively  175  and  190  mm.  in  length.  Both  were  taken  on 
the  same  date  (May  21,  1911).  Although  a  special  effort  was  made  to 
obtain  more  specimens  of  this  species  during  the  3  months  of  our  stay 
in  Panama  in  1912,  it  was  not  again  seen. 


676    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

This  fish  has  previously  been  recorded  only  from  the  coasts  of 
Brazil,  Uruguay  and  Argentina.  Our  specimens  are  from  the  Colon 
market. 

492.  Paralonchurus  petersi  Bocourt. 

Paralonchurus  petersi  Bocourt,   Bull.   Nouv.  Arch.   Mus.   Hist.   Nat. 

Paris,  V,  1869,  22  (La  Union,  San  Salvador)  ;  Jordan  &  Evermann, 

Bull.  U.   S.   Nat.   Mus.,  XLVII,    1898,    1481;   Gilbert  &   Starks, 

Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  136,  PI.  XX,  fig.  41. 

Head  3.4;  depth  4.2;  D.  X-I,  33  to  36;  A.  II,  8;  scales,  counting 
transverse  series  above  lateral  line,  54  to  56. 

Body  elongate ;  the  back  little  elevated ;  dorsal  profile  gently  convex, 
except  over  orbits,  where  it  is  straight;  head  large,  rather  low  and 
wide;  snout  blunt,  projecting  beyond  premaxillaries,  its  length  3.6  in 
head;  eye  9.3;  mouth  horizontal,  inferior;  maxillary  reaching  to  pos- 
terior margin  of  eye,  2.8  in  head ;  eye  very  small ;  teeth  in  bands  in  the 
jaws,  the  outer  row  of  upper  jaw  conspicuously  enlarged;  preopercle 
with  a  serrated  membranous  edge;  pseudobranchiae  somewhat  devel- 
oped; gill-rakers  present,  very  short,  5  below  angle  on  anterior  arch; 
scales  rather  large,  cycloid  above  lateral  line,  more  or  less  ctenoid  be- 
low lateral  line;  origin  of  spinous  dorsal  over  base  of  pectorals,  the 
spines  low  and  rather  weak ;  soft  dorsal  low,  highest  posteriorly ;  caudal 
fin  lanceolate,  the  rays  just  below  middle  of  fin  the  longest;  anal  fin 
small,  spines  weak,  the  second  3.5  to  5  in  head;  ventrals  small  and 
short,  inserted  below  base  of  pectorals;  pectorals  very  large,  reaching 
to  vertical  from  anal  opening,  as  long  as  head. 

Color  grayish  brown  above,  with  blue  and  bronze  reflections ;  under 
parts  pale ;  all  the  fins  except  spinous  dorsal  are  deep  blue. 

This  apparently  is  a  very  rare  species.  Only  two  specimens,  respec- 
tively 230  and  280  mm  in  length,  were  obtained. 

Known  only  from  the  west  coast  of  Central  America  and  Panama. 
Our  specimens  are  from  the  Panama  City  market. 

176.  Genus  Eques  Bloch. 

Eques  Bloch,  Naturg.  Ausl.  Fische,  VII,  1793,  90  (type  Eques  ameri- 

canus  Bloch  =  Chatodon  lanceolatus  Linnaeus). 
Equietus   Rafinesque,   Analyse    Nat.,   etc.,    1815,    86    (substitute    for 

Eques,  the  latter  name  being  considered  too  short). 
Pareques  (Gill)  Goode,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  V,  1876,  50  (type  Gram- 

mistes  acuminatus  Bloch  &  Schneider). 


APRIL  15,  1925.  FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    677 

Body  oblong,  compressed;  the  back  much  elevated  anteriorly,  rap- 
idly tapering  to  the  caudal  peduncle ;  mouth  small,  inferior,  the  lower 
jaw  included;  snout  with  evident  slits  and  pores;  teeth  all  in  broad 
villiform  bands;  gill-rakers  short;  preopercle  with  a  serrated  membran- 
ous border ;  dorsal  fin  very  long ;  anal  small ;  interneurals  closely  wedged 
in  behind  occiput. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES. 

a.  Body  with  lengthwise  streaks;  scales  large,  in  56  to  65  trans- 
verse series  above  lateral  line.  acuminatus,  p.  677. 

aa.  Body  without  lengthwise  streaks ;  scales  small,  in  83  to  93  trans- 
verse series  above  lateral  line.  viola,  p.  678. 

493.  Eques  acuminatus  (Bloch  &  Schneider). 

Grammistcs  acuminatus  Bloch  &  Schneider,  Syst.  Ichth.,  1801,  184  (no 

locality  given). 
Eques  lineatus  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  V,  1830,  169 

(Brazil). 
Eques  acuminatus  Castelnau,  Anim.  Nouv.  Rares  Amer.  Sud,   1855, 

10 ;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1898,  1487. 
Pareques  acuminatus  Goode,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  V,  1876,  50. 

Head  3.2;  depth  2.9  to  3.1 ;  D.  VIII-I  to  X-I,  38  to  40;  A.  II,  6 
or  7 ;  scales  in  56  to  65  transverse  series  above  lateral  line. 

Body  deep,  much  compressed;  the  back  strongly  elevated;  anterior 
profile  steep,  but  nearly  straight;  head  compressed;  snout  blunt,  not 
protruding  beyond  premaxillaries,  with  pores  and  slits,  its  length  3.6  to 
4.1  in  head;  eye  3.2  to  3.8;  mouth  horizontal;  the  maxillary  reaching 
about  middle  of  eye,  2.6  in  head ;  tip  of  lower  jaw  with  a  small  fleshy 
knob ;  both  nostrils  nearly  round,  the  posterior  one  notably  the  larger ; 
preopercle  with  a  serrated  membranous  border;  gill-rakers  very  short, 
12,  including  rudiments,  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch;  pseudobranchiae 
well  developed ;  teeth  in  wide  bands  in  both  jaws,  the  outer  ones  in  up- 
per jaw  enlarged,  those  of  lower  jaw  all  of  about  equal  size;  scales 
rather  large,  strongly  ctenoid;  lateral  line  rather  strongly  arched,  be- 
coming horizontal  on  caudal  peduncle;  second  dorsal,  caudal  and  anal 
scaly;  dorsal  fins  contiguous;  spinous  dorsal  short,  the  anterior  spines 
high,  the  second  1.45  to  1.8  in  head;  soft  dorsal  very  long  and  rather 
low ;  caudal  fin  rounded ;  anal  small,  the  second  spine  enlarged,  as  long 
as  the  longest  soft  rays,  1.95  to  2  in  head;  ventrals  moderate;  pectorals 
rather  short,  1.55  in  head. 

Color  brownish  above,  silvery  below;  sides  with  longitudinal  whit- 
ish stripes;  fins  all  dusky. 


678    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

The  species  is  here  described  from  3  specimens  (U.  S.  Nat.  Mus. 
collection),  ranging  from  115  to  200  mm.  in  length.  These  specimens 
are  from  Charleston,  South  Carolina ;  Jefferson,  Florida,  and  Cuba. 

Recorded  from  the  south  Atlantic  coast  of  the  United  States,  West 
Indies  and  Brazil.  Not  seen  at  Panama. 

494.  Eques  viola  Gilbert. 

Eques  viola  Gilbert,  in  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

XLVII,  1898,  1486  (Panama) ;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac. 

Sci.,  IV,  1904,  138,  PI.  XXI,  fig.  42. 

Head  3.1  to  3.4;  depth  2.75  to  3.1 ;  D.  IX  to  XI,  38  to  41 ;  A.  II,  7 
or  8 ;  scales  in  83  to  92  vertical  series  above  lateral  line. 

Body  sharply  compressed  toward  dorsal  outline,  widening  below; 
the  back  much  elevated ;  anterior  profile  steep  and  evenly  convex ;  ven- 
tral profile  little  convex;  head  compressed,  rather  short;  the  snout 
blunt,  projecting  slightly  beyond  premaxillaries,  with  well  developed 
pores  and  slits,  its  length  3.1  to  3.45  in  head;  eye  3.6  to  4.1;  mouth 
horizontal,  inferior;  maxillary  reaching  about  middle  of  pupil,  2.55  to 
2.7  in  head;  lower  jaw  with  a  fleshy  symphyseal  knob;  opercle  ending 
in  two  concealed  points;  preopercle  with  its  membranous  edge  finely 
crenulate;  gill-rakers  short,  not  much  longer  than  posterior  nostril,  8 
to  10,  more  or  less  developed,  below  angle;  pseudobranchise  well  de- 
veloped ;  teeth  in  jaws  in  villiform  bands,  the  outer  ones  in  upper  jaw 
enlarged,  canine-like;  scales  small,  ctenoid,  covering  head  to  anterior 
nostrils;  opercular  flap  with  numerous  very  small  scales;  spinous  dor- 
sal rather  short,  moderately  elevated,  the  second  spine  1.6  to  2  in  head, 
the  general  outline  nearly  triangular ;  soft  dorsal  long,  the  rays  increas- 
ing in  length  posteriorly,  the  longest  rays  about  y$  as  long  as  the  long- 
est dorsal  spine ;  caudal  fin  slightly  convex,  the  lower  lobe  a  little  longer 
than  the  upper ;  anal  fin  inserted  slightly  back  of  middle  of  soft  dorsal, 
second  anal  spine  strong,  but  not  as  long  as  the  soft  rays,  2.25  to  2.55 
in  head;  ventrals  and  pectorals  of  about  equal  length,  1.5  to  1.6  in  head, 
ventrals  inserted  just  back  of  base  of  pectorals;  soft  dorsal,  caudal  and 
anal  closely  scaled ;  spinous  dorsal,  ventrals  and  pectorals  with  scales  on 
membrane  only. 

Color  varying  from  bluish  brown  to  grayish;  under  parts  usually 
with  violet  shades ;  under  side  of  gill-covers  yellowish  green. 

This  species  is  here  described  from  6  specimens,  ranging  from  170 
to  200  mm.  in  length.  We  have  also  examined  a  paratype. 

Known  only  from  Panama  Bay.  Our  specimens  were  taken  along 
the  rocky  shores  of  a  group  of  small  islands  near  Balboa. 


APRIL  15,  1925.  FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.   679 

177.  Genus  Sciaena  Linnaeus. 

Sciana  Linnaeus,  Syst.  Nat.,  Ed.  X,  1758,  288  (type  Sciana  umbra 
Linnaeus). 

Cheilotrema  Tschudi,  Fauna  Peruana,  1846,  13  (type  Cheilotrema  fas- 
ciatum  Tschudi). 

Rhinoscion  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1861,  78,  85  (type  Amblodon 
saturnus  Girard). 

Callous  Jordan,  in  Jordan  &  Eigenmann,  Kept.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  XIV, 
1886  (1889),  395  (type  Corvina  deliciosa  Tschudi). 
Body  moderately  elongate,  compressed;  the  back  more  or  less  ele- 
vated; mouth  inferior,  rather  small;  snout  with  conspicuous  slits  and 
pores ;  teeth  in  the  jaws  in  bands,  some  of  the  outer  ones  enlarged ;  pre- 
opercle  with  a  serrated  membranous  edge  at  all  ages ;  gill-rakers  short. 

495.  Sciaena  deliciosa  (Tschudi). 

Corvina  deliciosa  Tschudi,  Fauna  Peruana,  1846,  8  (Peru). 

Sciana  deliciosa  Giinther,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus.,  II,  1860,  295 ;  Jordan 
&  Eigenmann,  Kept.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  XIV,  1886  (1889),  406; 
Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  132;  Starks, 
Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1906,  794. 

Head  2.9  to  3.2 ;  depth  3.25  to  3.7 ;  D.  IX-I  or  X-I,  22  or  23 ;  A.  II, 
9  or  10 ;  scales  in  53  to  61  transverse  series  above  lateral  line. 

Body  moderately  elongate  and  compressed;  the  back  elevated;  an- 
terior profile  gently  convex ;  head  large,  moderately  compressed ;  snout 
blunt,  protruding,  with  conspicuous  pores  and  slits,  its  length  3.8  to  4.15 
in  head;  eye  4.8  to  5.8;  mouth  moderate,  little  oblique;  premaxillaries 
anteriorly  below  level  of  lower  margin  of  eye;  maxillary  reaching 
slightly  past  middle  of  eye,  2.7  to  2.9  in  head ;  snout  with  conspicuous 
pores  and  slits;  posterior  nostril  more  or  less  half -moon  shaped,  with 
a  small  membranous  flap  in  front;  preopercle  with  a  finely  serrated 
membranous  edge;  gill-rakers  short,  n  to  13  on  lower  limb  of  first 
arch;  pseudobranchise  large;  teeth  in  the  jaws  in  bands;  some  of  the 
outer  ones  in  upper  jaw  enlarged;  none  of  the  teeth  in  the  lower  jaw 
especially  enlarged ;  scales  rather  large,  strongly  ctenoid ;  lateral  line 
slightly  arched,  becoming  straight  at  vertical  of  first  anal  spine ;  all  the 
fins,  except  the  spinous  dorsal,  scaly  at  base ;  lower  half  of  soft  dorsal 
rather  densely  scaled ;  spinous  dorsal  moderately  elevated,  the  spines 
rather  weak,  the  third  the  longest,  2.15  to  2.3  in  head;  soft  dorsal  long 
and  rather  low,  the  rays  decreasing  in  length  posteriorly ;  caudal  lunate, 


680    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAU,  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

the  upper  lobe  somewhat  the  longer;  anal  small,  the  second  spine 
strong,  but  much  shorter  than  the  longest  soft  ray,  3.3  to  3.8  in  head ; 
ventrals  moderate ;  pectorals  long,  reaching  past  tips  of  ventrals,  1 .27 
to  1.7  in  head. 

Color  bluish  gray  or  brownish  above,  silvery  below;  rows  of  scales 
with  faint  dark  streaks;  fins  all  more  or  less  dusky;  upper  portion 
of  axil  black. 

This  species  is  here  described  from  6  specimens  in  the  U.  S. 
National  Museum  collection  from  Peru,  ranging  in  length  from  161  to 
207  mm. 

A  common  fish  on  the  coast  of  Peru.  Recorded  from  Panama  by 
Jordan  &  Eigenmann.  Not  seen  there  by  recent  collectors. 

178.  Genus  Nebris  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes. 

Nebris  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  V,  1830,  149  (type 

Nebris  microps  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes). 

Body  elongate,  tapering  backward;  skull  very  cavernous,  spongy 
to  the  touch;  interorbital  space  broad;  mouth  large,  oblique;  lower 
jaw  projecting;  teeth  subequal,  in  bands;  eye  very  small;  preopercle 
with  a  broad  membranous  border;  slits  and  pores  on  snout  little 
conspicuous;  vertebrae  10  -f-  14;  gill-rakers  long  and  slender;  scales 
small;  air  bladder  with  two  long  appendages;  vertical  fins  scaly,  the 
spines  weak ;  lower  pharyngeals  separate,  narrow. 

KEY  TO  THE   SPECIES. 

a.  Scales  above  lateral  line  in  80  to  95  transverse  series ;  body  with 
6  or  7  conspicuous  dark  cross-bars.  microps,  p.  680. 

aa.  Scales  above  lateral  line  in  102  to  120  transverse  series;  body 
without  dark  cross-bars.  occidentalis,  p.  681. 

496.  Nebris  microps  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes. 

Nebris  microps  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  V,  1830, 
149,  PI.  CXII  (Surinam)  ;  Vaillant,  Bull.  Mus.  Hist.  Nat.  Paris, 
III,  1897,  124;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII, 
1898,  1417;  Vaillant,  Nouv.  Arch.  Mus.  Hist.  Nat.  Paris,  4  ser.,  II, 
1900,  135,  PI.  VII,  figs.  4,  4a,  4b,  4c;  Starks,  Leland  Stanford  Jr. 
Univ.  Pub.,  Univ.  Ser.,  1913,  50. 
This  species  was  not  seen  by  us.  We  quote  the  following  from 

Starks,  "The   Fishes  of  the  Stanford   Expedition  to  Brazil,"   1913, 

p.  50. 


APRIL  15,  1925.  FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    681 

"Four  large  specimens  of  this  species  were  taken  at  Para,  each 
of  them  a  little  over  a  foot  in  length.  This  makes  a  direct  comparison 
between  this  species  and  its  representative  in  the  Pacific,  Nebris 
occidentalis  Vaillant,  for  the  first  time  possible. 

"Comparing  them  with  some  specimens  from  Panama  of  similar 
size  the  mandible  is  strikingly  weaker  and  does  not  protrude  nearly  so 
much,  lacking  the  large,  sharp  process  at  the  symphysis.  The  lips 
are  thinner  and  the  mouth  is  less  oblique.  There  are  95  series  of 
scales  above  the  lateral  line,  counting  the  nearly  vertical  series,  and 
ii  scales  between  the  lateral  line  and  the  front  of  the  soft  dorsal. 
These  counts  in  Nebris  occidentalis  are  respectively  115  and  20.  The 
scales  on  the  belly  are  very  much  larger  in  Nebris  microps.  The  pec- 
toral is  shorter,  or  1^5  in  the  head,  while  in  the  other  species  it  is 
almost  equal  to  the  head.  The  radiating  striations  on  the  preopercle  are 
not  nearly  so  coarse  and  do  not  end  in  such  coarse  pectinate  processes. 
The  body  is  marked  with  6  or  7  wide,  conspicuous,  dark  cross  bars, 
which  are  not  evident  in  Nebris  occidentalis  and  have  not  been  described. 

"The  following  is  the  color  of  fresh  specimens.  The  back  is  dusky 
drab,  with  wide,  nearly  black,  cross  bars,  anteriorly  not  so  wide  as 
the  interspaces,  posteriorly  more  crowded  and  equal  to  them.  There 
is  a  trace  of  one  over  the  opercle,  one  under  the  spinous  dorsal,  four 
under  the  soft  dorsal,  the  first  of  which  is  under  the  8th  to  the  nth 
rays,  and  the  last  under  the  last  rays,  and  one  across  the  caudal 
peduncle.  The  lower  parts  are  very  bright  chrome  yellow,  or  some- 
times deep  orange,  being  brightest  on  the  head.  The  ventrals,  pectorals 
and  anal  are  bright  yellow  or  orange,  the  first  two  growing  coal  black 
toward  their  points,  and  the  anal  dusky  with  dots.  The  dorsal  rays 
grow  dark  toward  the  edge  of  the  fin,  and  the  caudal  is  slightly 
yellow,  obscured  by  dark  points." 

This  species  inhabits  the  sandy  shores  of  the  Atlantic  coast  of 
northern  South  America;  recorded  from  Guiana  and  Brazil.  Not 
seen  by  us  on  the  coast  of  Panama. 

497.  Nebris  occidentalis  Vaillant. 

Nebris  occidentalis  Vaillant,  Bull.  Mus.  Hist.  Nat.  Paris,  III,  1897,  124; 

Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  122. 
Nebris  zestus  Jordan  &  Starks,  in  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S. 

Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1898,  1417. 

Head  3.4  to  3.7;  depth  3.8  to  4.1 ;  D.  VI  to  IX,  25  to  29;  A.  II,  n 
or  12;  scales  102  to  120  in  a  transverse  series  above  lateral  line. 


682    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

Body  long,  tapering  posteriorly,  scarcely  compressed;  the  dorsal 
and  ventral  outlines  about  evenly  curved;  head  long  and  rounded, 
the  bones  excessively  cavernous,  spongy;  interorbital  space  wide,  2.5 
to  2.8  in  length  of  head;  mouth  large,  oblique;  the  lower  jaw  pro- 
jecting; premaxillaries  anteriorly  on  level  with  upper  margin  of  eye; 
maxillary  reaching  posterior  margin  of  eye,  2  to  2.2  in  head;  snout 
and  chin  without  slits  and  pores ;  snout  3.5  to  3.8  in  head ;  a  small  knob 
at  chin ;  eye  8  to  9.3  in  head ;  preopercle  with  a  wide  crenulate  mem- 
branous border ;  gill-rakers  rather  long  and  slender,  the  longest  as  long 
as  the  very  small  eye,  13  to  15  on  the  lower  limb  of  the  anterior  arch; 
pseudobranchiae  very  small;  teeth  in  upper  jaw  at  sides  in  villiform 
bands,  those  in  lower  jaw  in  a  single  series,  none  of  them  much  enlarged, 
no  canines;  scales  small,  those  on  lower  part  of  sides  ctenoid,  smooth 
elsewhere,  those  on  head  larger  than  on  body,  those  of  lateral  line  en- 
larged, covered  with  smaller  scales;  lateral  line  not  arched  anteriorly; 
alimentary  canal  very  short ;  stomach  with  9  small,  slender,  blind  append- 
ages ;  air  bladder  tapering  rapidly  posteriorly,  coming  to  a  sharp  point, 
anteriorly  with  two  appendages  which  curve  backward  and  extend  along 
lateral  side  of  bladder  and  back  to  side  of  about  middle  of  base  of  anal, 
where  they  become  very  small,  suddenly  recurving,  following  their 
original  course  and  extending  to  cranium  at  sides;  spinous  dorsal  very 
small,  the  spines  very  weak ;  soft  dorsal  long  and  low,  the  rays  decreas- 
ing in  length  posteriorly ;  caudal  fin  rounded,  the  middle  rays  somewhat 
produced;  anal  spines  very  weak,  scarcely  distinguishable;  ventrals 
rather  short,  reaching  about  half  way  from  their  base  to  vent  in  the 
rather  large  specimens  before  us;  pectorals  large,  reaching  much 
beyond  tips  of  ventrals,  i  to  1.2  in  head;  vertical  fins  densely  scaled. 

Color  grayish  brown  above,  silvery  below;  sides  with  brownish 
punctulations ;  dorsals,  caudal  and  pectorals  dusky ;  anal  and  ventrals 
usually  with  brown  points,  yellowish  in  life. 

This  species  is  here  described  from  10  specimens,  ranging  in  length 
from  300  to  350  mm.  Besides  these  we  have  at  hand  two  immature 
specimens,  respectively  42  and  50  mm.  in  length,  taken  at  Chame 
Point  by  Mr.  Robert  Tweedlie.  In  these  the  head  is  extremely  large 
and  excessively  spongy  to  the  touch,  the  body  is  notably  compressed 
and  the  caudal  peduncle  very  slender.  The  fins  are  very  large,  the 
pectorals  and  caudal  being  much  longer  than  the  head. 

Known  from  the  west  coast  of  Central  America.  Our  specimens 
were  taken  at  Chame  Point,  Balboa  and  in  the  Panama  City  market. 


APRIL  15,  1925.  FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    683 

179.  Genus  Larimus  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes. 
Larimus  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  V,  1830,  145  (type 

Larimus  breviceps  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes). 
Amblyscion  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1863,  165  (type  Ambly- 

scion  argenteus  Gill). 
Monosira  Poey,  Ann.  Soc.  Espan.  Hist.  Nat.,  X,  1881,  326  (type  Mon- 

osira  stahli  Poey). 

Body  rather  robust,  compressed ;  skull  firm,  not  greatly  cavernous ; 
upper  jaw  with  the  usual  slits  and  pores  little  developed;  no  canines, 
and  no  barbels;  snout  very  short;  the  mouth  large,  the  gape  very 
oblique  or  even  vertical;  preopercle  with  membranous  edge,  without 
bony  teeth;  pseudobranchiae  well  developed;  second  dorsal  fin  long; 
anal  fin  short ;  gill-rakers  long  and  slender ;  vertebrae  10  -f-  14. 

KEY   TO  THE   SPECIES. 

a.  Mouth  large,  the  cleft  vertical;  tip  of  lower  jaw  on  level  with 
upper  margin  of  pupil;  maxillary  reaching  to  anterior  margin 
of  pupil,  1.75  to  1.85  in  head;  eye  small,  3.9  to  4.65  in  head; 
gill-rakers  16  or  17  below  angle  on  anterior  arch;  no  distinct 
lines  along  the  rows  of  scales.  argenteus,  p.  684. 

aa.  Mouth  more  or  less  oblique,  never  vertical;  tip  of  lower  jaw 
below  level  of  upper  margin  of  pupil;  maxillary  reaching  past 
anterior  margin  of  pupil;  gill-rakers  18  to  21  below  angle  on 
anterior  arch;  upper  parts  with  dark  streaks  along  the  rows 
of  scales. 

b.  Mouth  very  oblique;  snout  very  blunt;  maxillary  not  reaching 
past  middle  of  pupil ;  upper  parts  with  rather  faint  lines  along 
the  rows  of  scales. 

c.  Mouth  small,  the  cleft  very  oblique,  but  not  quite  vertical; 
tip  of  lower  jaw  on  level  with  middle  of  pupil;  maxillary 
reaching  slightly  past  anterior  margin  of  pupil,  2  to  2.1   in 
head;   snout  very  short,   5.5   to  6  in  head;   rows  of  scales 
between  lateral  line  and  dorsal  parallel  with  longitudinal  axis 
of  body;  gill-rakers   18  or  19  below  angle  on  anterior  arch; 
gill-covers   mostly  black   underneath.  effulgens,  p.  685. 

cc.  Mouth  large,  the  cleft  a  little  less  oblique;  tip  of  lower  jaw 
on  level  with  lower  margin  of  pupil;  maxillary  reaching  to 
middle  of  pupil,  1.8  to  2  in  head;  snout  rather  long,  4.2  to  5 
in  head ;  rows  of  scales  between  lateral  line  and  spinous  dorsal 
running  obliquely  upward  and  backward ;  gill-rakers  20  or  21 
below  angle  on  anterior  arch ;  gill-covers  dusky  in  pseudo- 
branchial  region  only.  breviceps,  p.  686. 


684    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

bb.  Mouth  not  very  oblique,  more  nearly  horizontal;  the  snout 
somewhat  tapering;  maxillary  reaching  past  middle  of  pupil; 
upper  parts  with  conspicuous  dark  streaks  along  the  rows  of 
scales. 

d.  Mouth  still  notably  oblique;  tip  of  lower  jaw  slightly  below 
level  of  middle  of  pupil ;  maxillary  reaching  slightly  past  middle 
of  pupil;  gill-rakers  19  or  20;  ventral  fins  long,  reaching  to 
vent.  acclivis,  p.  687. 

dd.  Mouth  less  oblique;  tip  of  lower  jaw  slightly  below  level  of 
lower  margin  of  pupil ;  maxillary  reaching  to  posterior  margin 
of  pupil ;  gill-rakers  18  below  angle  on  anterior  arch ;  ventral 
fins  short,  not  reaching  to  vent.  pacificus,  p.  687. 

498.  Larimus  argenteus  (Gill). 

Amblyscion  argenteus  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1863,  165  (west 

coast  of  Central  America). 
Larimus  argenteus  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  II,  1882 

(1883),  no;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII, 

1898,  1421,  PI.  CCXXI,  fig.  565;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal. 

Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  123. 

Head  3.4  to  3.8;  depth  2.9  to  3.25;  D.  X-I,  27  to  29;  A.  II,  6; 
scales  50  to  55. 

Body  compressed,  rather  robust;  the  back  little  elevated;  profile 
from  tip  of  snout  to  first  dorsal  spine  evenly  and  very  gently  con- 
vex; mouth  large,  the  cleft  vertical;  tip  of  lower  jaw  on  level  with 
upper  margin  of  pupil;  maxillary  extending  to  anterior  margin  of 
p'upil,  1.75  to  1.85  in  head;  eye  small,  3.9  to  4.65  in  head;  snout  rather 
long,  its  length  4.5  to  5  in  head ;  cheeks  very  wide  and  deep ;  preopercle 
with  a  ciliated  membranous  edge;  gill-rakers  long,  1.33  in  eye,  16  or  17 
below  angle  on  anterior  arch ;  teeth  minute,  firm,  in  a  single  series  in 
each  jaw;  rows  of  scales  above  lateral  line  running  obliquely  upward 
and  backward;  dorsal  fins  deeply  notched,  contiguous,  the  spines 
long  and  flexible ;  middle  rays  of  caudal  the  longest,  lateral  line  extend- 
ing to  their  tips ;  anal  fin  small,  the  second  anal  spine  strong,  but  shorter 
than  soft  rays,  1.8  to  2.9  in  head;  pectorals  reaching  well  past  vent,  a 
little  longer  than  head;  ventrals  reaching  to  or  almost  to  vent. 

Color  bluish  above;  sides  silvery;  pale  below;  snout  dusky;  a  dark 
axillary  spot;  dorsal,  caudal  and  pectorals  pale  to  blue  black;  ventrals 
and  anal  greenish  yellow ;  under  side  of  gill-covers  mostly  black ;  a 
steel-blue  opercular  blotch;  some  of  our  specimens  with  faint  dark 
stripes  along  the  rows  of  scales.  (Color  description  from  field  notes.) 


APRIL  15,  1925.  FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.   685 

Of  this  species  15  specimens,  ranging  in  length  from  140  to  230 
mm.,  were  taken.  This  species  is  easily  separated  from  all  the  other 
forms  of  this  genus  by  the  vertical  mouth,  and  by  the  absence  of  dis- 
tinct dark  streaks  along  the  rows  of  scales  on  sides  and  back. 

Known  from  Mazatlan  to  Panama.  Our  specimens  are  from 
Balboa  and  the  Panama  City  market. 

499.  Larimus  effulgens  Gilbert. 

Larimus  effulgens  Gilbert,  in  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat. 

Mus.,  XLVII,  1898,  1421   (Panama)  ;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir. 

Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  123,  PI.  XVI,  fig.  33. 

Head  3.4  to  3.8;  depth  2.8  to  3;  D.  X-I,  28  or  29;  A.  II,  6;  scales 

47  to  51- 

Body  compressed ;  the  back  little  elevated ;  profile  from  tip  of  snout 
to  first  dorsal  spine  gently  convex ;  mouth  rather  small,  the  cleft  very 
oblique  but  not  quite  vertical;  tip  of  lower  jaw  on  level  with  middle 
of  pupil;  maxillary  reaching  slightly  past  anterior  margin  of  pupil, 
2  to  2.1  in  head;  eye  large,  3.3  to  3.5  in  head;  snout  very  short,  its 
length  5.5  to  6  in  head;  cheeks  neither  wide  nor  very  deep;  peropercle 
with  serrated  membranous  edge;  gill-rakers  very  long,  1.33  in  eye, 
18  or  19  below  angle  on  anterior  arch;  teeth  minute,  firm,  in  one  series 
in  each  jaw;  rows  of  scales  between  lateral  line  and  spinous  dorsal 
parallel  with  longitudinal  axis  of  body,  oblique  between  lateral  line 
and  anterior  third  of  soft  dorsal,  then  again  running  parallel  with 
longitudinal  axis  of  body;  dorsal  fins  deeply  notched,  contiguous,  the 
spines  rather  high,  flexible;  middle  rays  of  caudal  fin  the  longest, 
lateral  line  extending  to  their  tips;  anal  fin  small,  the  second  spine 
strong,  but  shorter  than  soft  rays,  2.15  to  2.35  in  head;  pectorals  long, 
reaching  well  past  vent,  a  little  longer  than  the  head ;  ventrals  reaching 
to  vent,  1.2  in  head. 

Color  grayish  above,  silvery  below;  faint  dark  streaks  along  the 
rows  of  scales  on  back  and  sides;  a  dark  axillary  spot;  under  sides 
of  gill-covers  mostly  black;  dorsal  and  caudal  fin  mostly  dusky,  the 
lower  rays  yellow ;  ventrals  and  anal  orange  yellow. 

Here  described  from  5  specimens,  ranging  in  length  from  190  to 
215  mm.  Our  collection  contains  only  two  specimens,  which  are  all 
that  were  seen,  although  Gilbert  &  Starks  report  it  as  common  at 
Panama.  This  species  was  originally  described  as  having  no  dark 
streaks  along  the  rows  of  scales.  Our  specimens,  however,  show 
these  rather  distinctly. 


686    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

Known  only  from  Panama  Bay.  Our  specimens  are  from  the 
Panama  City  market. 

500.  Larimus  breviceps  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes. 

Larimus  breviceps  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  V,  1830, 

146,  PI.  CXI  (San  Domingo;  Brazil)  ;  Jordan  &  Eigenmann,  Kept. 

U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  XIV,  1886  (1889),  375  (in  part,  not  of  Cuvier 

&  Valenciennes)  ;  Jordan  &   Evermann,   Bull.  U.   S.   Nat.   Mus., 

XLVII,  1898,  1423 ;  Fowler,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1916,  404 

(Colon),  and  1917,  132  (Colon). 
Monosira  stahli  Poey,  in  Gundlach,  Anal.  Soc.  Espan.  Hist.  Nat.,  X, 

1 88 1,  326,  PI.  VI  (Porto  Rico). 
Larimus  stahli  Jordan  &  Eigenmann,  Rept.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  XIV, 

1886  (1889),  376. 

Head  3.2  to  3.65 ;  depth  2.7  to  3 ;  D.  X-I,  27  or  28;  A.  II,  6;  scales 
46  to  50. 

Body  robust,  compressed;  the  back  moderately  elevated;  profile 
from  tip  of  snout  to  first  dorsal  spine  evenly  convex;  mouth  large, 
the  gape  oblique ;  tip  of  lower  lip  on  level  with  lower  margin  of  pupil ; 
maxillary  reaching  to  middle  of  pupil,  1.8  to  2  in  head;  eye  small, 
3  to  3.9  in  head;  snout  rather  long,  4.2  to  5  in  head;  cheek  rather 
wide,  but  not  very  deep ;  preopercle  with  a  coarsely  serrated  membran- 
ous edge;  gill-rakers  long  and  slender,  the  longest  1.3  in  eye,  20  or  21 
below  angle  on  anterior  arch ;  teeth  minute,  firm,  in  one  series  in  each 
jaw;  rows  of  scales  above  lateral  line  without  compound  curve,  run- 
ning obliquely  upward  and  backward ;  dorsal  fins  notched  to  the  base, 
separate,  the  spines  high,  very  slender  and  flexible;  middle  rays  of 
caudal  fin  the  longest,  lateral  line  extending  to  their  tips;  anal  fin 
small,  the  second  anal  spine  much  enlarged,  almost  as  long  as  soft 
rays,  1.7  to  2.1  in  head;  pectoral  fins  reaching  past  vent,  equal  to 
length  of  bead;  ventrals  rather  short,  reaching  to  vent. 

Color  brown  above,  silvery  below ;  dark  streaks  along  the  rows  of 
scales  on  back  and  sides;  a  dark  axillary  spot;  under  sides  of  gill- 
covers  dusky  in  pseudobranchial  region  only;  dorsal,  caudal  and 
pectorals  dusky;  anal  and  ventral  fins  yellowish. 

Of  this  rather  abundant  species  55  specimens,  ranging  in  length 
from  60  to  235  mm.,  were  preserved. 

Known  from  the  West  Indies  south  to  Brazil.  Our  specimens  are 
from  Toro  Point ;  Hindi  Reef ;  Fox  Bay,  Colon ;  Colon  Reef,  and 
Colon  market. 


APRIL  15,  1925.  FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    687 

501.  Larimus  acclivis  Jordan  &  Bristol. 

Larimus  acclivis  Jordan  &  Bristol,  in  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.,  U.  S. 

Nat.   Mus.,   XLVII,    1898,    1422    (San  Juan   Lagoon,   Sonora) ; 

Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  124,  PI.  XVII, 

fig.  34. 

Head  3.3  to  3.5 ;  depth  2.7  to  3.1 ;  D.  X-I,  26  to  29;  A.  II,  6;  scales 
46  to  52. 

Body  robust,  compressed;  the  back  elevated;  profile  from  snout 
to  origin  of  spinous  dorsal  evenly  convex;  mouth  rather  large,  the 
cleft  quite  oblique ;  tip  of  lower  jaw  slightly  below  level  of  the  middle 
of  pupil;  maxillary  reaching  slightly  past  middle  of  pupil,  1.9  to 
2.1  in  head;  snout  very  short,  its  length  4.9  to  54  in  head;  eye  3.3 
to  3.5 ;  the  cheeks  rather  wide,  but  not  very  deep ;  preopercle  with  a 
finely  serrated  membranous  margin;  gill-rakers;  long  and  slender, 
1.25  in  eye,  19  or  20  below  angle  on  anterior  arch;  teeth  very  small, 
firm,  in  one  series  in  each  jaw;  rows  of  scales  above  lateral  line 
anteriorly  running  obliquely  upward  and  backward,  often  with  a 
compound  curve;  dorsal  fins  deeply  notched,  contiguous,  the  spines 
weak  and  flexible ;  middle  rays  of  caudal  fin  the  longest,  lateral  line  ex- 
tending to  tip  of  these  rays;  anal  fin  small,  second  anal  spine  strong, 
but  shorter  than  soft  rays,  1.75  to  2.35  in  head;  pectoral  fins  long, 
reaching  past  anal  opening,  as  long  as  head ;  ventrals  reaching  vent. 

Color  brownish  above,  silvery  below;  conspicuous  dark  brown 
lines  along  the  rows  of  scales  on  back  and  sides ;  a  dark  axillary  spot ; 
mouth  mostly  yellow;  dorsal  fin  brownish,  with  little  green;  other  fins 
all  yellowish.  (Color  description  from  field  notes.) 

This  species  is  here  described  from  12  specimens,  ranging  in  length 
from  1 80  to  260  mm. 

Known  from  Sonora,  Mexico,  south  to  Panama.  Our  specimens 
are  from  Balboa  and  the  Panama  City  market. 

502.  Larimus  pacificus  Jordan  &  Bollman. 

Larimus  pacificus  Jordan  &  Bollman,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1889, 

161    (Albatross  Sta.  No.  2802;  8°  38'  N.;  79°  31'  W.;  between 

Panama  and  the  Galapagos  Islands)  ;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull. 

U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1898,  1424;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir. 

Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  124. 

Head  3.15;  depth  2.95;  D.  X-I,  27;  A.  II,  6;  scales  50. 

Body  robust,  compressed;  the  back  moderately  elevated;  profile 
evenly  convex  from  snout  to  first  dorsal  spine;  mouth  moderate,  the 
cleft  less  oblique  than  in  any  of  the  other  species  of  this  genus ;  tip 


688    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

of  lower  jaw  below  level  of  lower  margin  of  pupil ;  maxillary  reaching 
to  posterior  margin  of  pupil,  2  in  head ;  eye  rather  small,  3.55  in  head ; 
snout  long,  4.75  in  head;  preopercle  with  a  serrated  membranous 
edge;  gill-rakers  long,  the  longest  equal  to  length  of  eye,  18  below 
angle  on  anterior  arch;  teeth  minute,  firm,  in  a  single  series  in  each 
jaw;  rows  of  scales  between  lateral  line  and  spinous  dorsal  parallel 
with  the  longitudinal  axis  of  body;  dorsal  fins  deeply  notched,  con- 
tiguous; the  spines  rather  long,  flexible;  caudal  fin  with  middle  rays 
produced,  lateral  line  extending  to  tip  of  these  rays;  anal  fin  short, 
the  second  anal  spine  enlarged,  shorter  than  soft  rays,  3  in  head; 
pectorals  reaching  to  vent,  a  little  shorter  than  head;  ventrals  short, 
not  nearly  reaching  to  vent. 

Color  brownish  above,  silvery  below;  conspicuous  dark  streaks 
along  the  rows  of  scales  on  back  and  sides;  a  dark  axillary  spot 
present;  fins  all  with  more  or  less  dusky;  gill-covers  mostly  black 
underneath. 

The  species  is  here  described  from  the  type,  a  specimen  135  mm. 

long- 
Recorded  from  Mazatlan,  Punta  Arenas,  Panama,  off  the  coast 
of  Colombia,  and  Lobos  de  Tierra  and  Callao,  Peru.     Not  seen  at 
Panama  by  recent  collectors. 

180.  Genus  Odontoscion  Gill. 

Odontoscion  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1862,  18  (type  Corvina 

dcntex  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes). 

Preopercle  without  plectroid  spine,  unarmed ;  canine  teeth  present, 
small;  pseudobranchise  present;  gill-rakers  rather  long  and  slender; 
second  anal  spine  not  much  enlarged. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES. 

a.  Teeth  in  each  jaw  in  a  single  series;  rows  of  scales  with  faint 
dark  streaks ;  a  dark  axillary  spot  present ;  dorsal  spines  usually 
XII-I,  rarely  XIII-I,  soft  rays  23  to  25.  dcntex,  p.  688. 

aa.  Teeth  in  each  jaw  in  two  series;  rows  of  scales  with  prominent 
dark  streaks,  at  least  below  the  lateral  line;  no  axillary  spot; 
dorsal  spines  usually  XI-I,  occasionally  XII-I,  soft  rays  25  to  27. 

xanthops,  p.  690. 

503.  Odontoscion  dentex  (Cuvier  &  Valenciennes). 

Corvina  dentex  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  V,  1830,  139, 

PI.  CIX  (San  Domingo). 
Larimus  dentex  Gunther,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus.,  II,  1860,  269. 


APRIL  15,  1925.  FISHES  OF  PANAMA — MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    689 

Odontoscion   dentex   Poey,    Syn.    Pise.    Cub.,    1868,   325;   Jordan   & 
Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1898,  1425. 
Head  2.9  to  3.3;  depth  3  to  3.4;  D.  XII-I  or  XIII-I,  23  to  25; 
A.  II,  9;  scales  6-50  to  58,  counting  transverse  series  above  lateral 
line. 

Body  compressed ;  the  back  elevated ;  anterior  profile  rather  straight ; 
ventral  outline  little  rounded;  head  compressed,  the  cheeks  vertical; 
eyes  large,  varying  greatly  among  individuals,  2.9  to  3.3  in  head; 
interorbital  space  narrow,  3.8  to  4.4  in  head ;  snout  short,  not  projecting 
beyond  premaxillaries,  3.8  to  4.4  in  head;  mouth  large,  oblique;  the 
premaxillaries  anteriorly  on  level  with  middle  of  eye ;  maxillary  reaching 
past  middle  of  eye,  1.9  to  2.1  in  head ;  slits  and  pores  on  snout  obsolete; 
preopercle  with  a  crenulate  margin,  no  distinct  teeth ;  gill-rakers  slender, 
14  to  17  on  lower  limb  of  anterior  arch ;  pseudobranchiae  well  developed ; 
teeth  in  the  jaws  in  a  single  series ;  lower  jaw  with  two  canines  at  tip 
and  some  enlarged  canine-like  teeth  at  sides ;  some  of  the  teeth  in  upper 
jaw  enlarged  but  not  as  large  as  the  lower  ones ;  scales  thin,  smooth  on 
head,  elsewhere  ctenoid ;  lower  pharyngeal  teeth  separate,  some  of  them 
enlarged,  conical,  the  upper  teeth  blunt;  stomach  with  7  caeca;  air 
bladder  with  two  short  horns  anteriorly  which  unite  at  the  base,  being 
connected  with  the  main  air  bladder  only  by  a  very  small  opening; 
dorsal  spines  weak  and  flexible,  the  longest  1.6  to  2.1  in  head;  soft 
dorsal  moderately  elevated,  as  high  as  the  spinous  dorsal,  the  rays 
decreasing  in  length  rather  rapidly  posteriorly ;  caudal  subtruncate,  the 
upper  lobe  the  longer ;  anal  fin  rather  small,  the  second  spine  not  much 
enlarged,  shorter  than  the  soft  rays,  2.4  to  2.7  in  head ;  ventrals  reaching 
about  half  way  to  anal;  pectorals  short,  not  nearly  reaching  tips  of 
ventrals,  1.6  to  1.75  in  head;  vertical  fins  densely  scaled. 

Color  brownish,  with  silvery  below;  everywhere  with  brown  dots; 
faint  streaks  along  the  rows  of  scales;  some  specimens  much  darker 
than  others;  tip  of  snout  and  margin  of  lower  jaw  black;  a  dark 
axillary  spot  present;  fins  all  more  or  less  dusky. 

Of  this  species  over  100  specimens  were  preserved,  ranging  in 
length  from  80  to  155  mm. 

Known  from  the  West  Indies,  where  it  is  said  to  reach  a  large 
size,  and  from  Trinidad.  No  large  specimens  were  seen  on  the  Panama 
coast.  It  is  very  common  on  sandy  and  rocky  shores.  Our  specimens 
are  from  Toro  Point ;  Fox  Bay,  Colon ;  Colon  Reef ;  Colon  market,  and 
Porto  Bello. 


690    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

504.  Odontoscion  xanthops  Gilbert. 

Odontoscion  xanthops  Gilbert,  in  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat. 

Mus.,  XLVII,  1898,  1426  (Panama)  ;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir. 

Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  124,  PI.  XVII,  fig.  35. 

Head  3.2  to  3.45;  depth  3.1  to  3.3;  D.  XI-I  or  XII-I,  25  to  27; 
A.  II,  8  or  9;  scales  6  or  6^-56  to  63,  counting  transverse  series 
above  lateral  line. 

Body  elongate,  compressed ;  dorsal  and  ventral  outlines  about  evenly 
curved;  head  compressed;  eye  large,  3.35  to  3.85  in  head;  preorbital 
narrow;  interorbital  space  moderate,  3.85  to  4.3  in  head;  snout  short, 
not  projecting  beyond  premaxillaries,  its  length  4  to  4.7  in  head; 
mouth  large,  oblique;  the  lower  jaw  usually  slightly  projecting; 
premaxillaries  anteriorly  about  on  level  with  lower  margin  of  pupil; 
maxillary  usually  reaching  well  past  middle  of  eye,  2.05  to  2.2  in  head ; 
slits  and  pores  on  snout  and  lower  jaw  little  evident ;  chin  with  a  small 
knob ;  preopercular  margin  without  distinct  spines,  crenulate ;  gill-rakers 
rather  long  and  slender,  14  or  15  on  lower  arm  of  anterior  arch; 
pseudobranchiae  large;  teeth  on  the  lower  jaw  in  2  series,  the  inner 
ones  enlarged,  with  canines  directed  backward  at  the  tip;  upper  jaw 
with  an  outer  row  of  enlarged  teeth  and  a  band  of  small  inner  teeth, 
with  considerable  space  between  the  two;  teeth  smaller  than  in  O. 
dentex ;  scales  rather  large,  smooth  on  head,  elsewhere  weakly  ctenoid ; 
stomach  with  5  caeca ;  air  bladder  tapering  and  coming  to  a  sharp  point 
posteriorly,  anteriorly  with  two  short  horns  united  at  the  base  and 
connected  with  the  main  air  bladder  only  by  a  very  small  opening; 
vertical  fins  scaly;  dorsal  spines  weak  and  flexible,  none  of  them 
thickened,  the  longest  1.5  to  2  in  head ;  soft  dorsal  rather  high  anteriorly, 
the  rays  decreasing  rapidly  in  length  posteriorly,  with  a  distinct  scaly 
sheath  at  base;  caudal  subtruncate,  the  upper  lobe  slightly  the  longest, 
with  acute  angle,  the  lower  lobe  slightly  rounded ;  anal  small,  the  second 
spine  rather  strong,  2.3  to  2.75  in  head;  ventrals  moderate,  not  nearly 
reaching  vent;  pectorals  not  reaching  tip  of  ventrals,  1.55  to  1.9  in  head. 

Color  brownish  above,  paler  below;  everywhere  with  brown  dots; 
lower  parts  with  silvery  reflections ;  dark  streaks  along  the  rows  of 
scales,  these  narrow  and  somewhat  obscure  above  lateral  line,  but  wide 
and  distinct  below  lateral  line,  where  they  are  horizontal ;  fins  all  dusky ; 
anal  and  tips  of  ventrals  black. 

This  species  is  here  described  from  ten  specimens,  ranging  in  length 
from  145  to  185  mm. 

Previously  known  only  from  one  specimen  from  Panama  Bay. 
Our  specimens  are  from  Panama  Bay,  Balboa,  and  Panama  City  market. 


APRIL  15,  1925.  FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.   691 

181.  Genus  Corvula  Jordan  &  Eigenmann. 

Corvula  Jordan  &  Eigenmann,  Kept.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  XIV,  1886 

(1889),  377  (type  Johnius  batabanus  Poey). 

This  genus  differs  from  Bairdiella  in  having  the  preopercular  margin 
unarmed.  From  Odontoscion  it  differs  in  the  absence  of  canine  teeth. 
A  comparison  of  O.  xanthops  and  C.  macrops,  however,  shows  almost 
a  complete  intergradation. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES. 

a.  Body  robust,  rather  deep,  the  depth  2.8  to  2.9  in  length;  anal 
rays  II,  10  or  n;  coloration  dark  brown,  with  wide  streaks 
along  the  rows  of  scales  below  lateral  line;  anal  and  ventrals 
black.  macrops,  p.  691. 

aa.  Body  oblong,  the  depth  3  to  3.3  in  length;  anal  rays  II,  9; 
coloration  grayish  above,  silvery  below ;  streaks  along  the  rows 
of  scales  narrow,  composed  of  dark  spots  on  the  scales;  anal 
and  ventrals  pale  or  with  few  dusky  punctulations. 

sanctce-lucice,  p.  692. 

505.  Corvula  macrops  (Steindachner). 

Corvina  macrops  Steindachner,  (Sitzb.  k.  Ak.  Wiss.  Wien,  LXXII) 

Ichth.  Beitr.,  Ill,  1875,  24,  PI.  II  (Panama). 
Sciana  macrops  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  I,  1881 

(1882),  316. 
Corvula  macrops  Jordan  &  Eigenmann,  Kept.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  XIV, 

1886   (1889),  379;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV, 

1904,  125. 

Head  3.2  to  3.45;  depth  2.8  to  2.9;  D.  XI-I  or  XII-I,  23  to  26;  A. 
II,  10  or  ii. 

Body  rather  robust,  moderately  compressed ;  the  back  elevated ;  the 
dorsal  outline  more  strongly  curved  than  the  ventral ;  head  compressed, 
rather  deep;  interorbital  space  narrow,  4  to  4.45  in  head;  snout  short 
and  very  blunt,  slightly  overhanging  premaxillaries,  with  small  slits 
and  pores,  its  length  4.45  to  4.6  in  head ;  eye  3.3  to  3.5 ;  mouth  large, 
oblique;  the  premaxillaries  anteriorly  about  on  level  with  lower  margin 
of  eye;  maxillary  reaching  posterior  margin  of  pupil,  2  to  2.1  in  head; 
the  chin  soft  and  fleshy,  without  a  knob ;  preopercular  margin  crenulate, 
without  spines;  gill-rakers  long  and  slender,  14  on  lower  limb  of 
anterior  arch;  pseudobranchise  well  developed;  teeth  small,  no  canines, 
those  of  the  lower  jaw  mostly  in  two  series,  none  of  them  notably 
enlarged ;  teeth  in  upper  jaw  much  as  in  Odontoscion  xanthops  but 


692    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

smaller,  the  outer  row  slightly  enlarged,  the  inner  band  of  very  small 
teeth,  these  separated  from  the  outer  row  by  considerable  space ;  scales 
rather  large,  smooth  on  head,  elsewhere  ctenoid;  spinous  dorsal  mod- 
erately elevated,  the  spines  weak  and  flexible,  none  of  them  thickened, 
the  longest  1.6  to  1.95  in  head;  soft  dorsal  with  a  distinct  scaly  sheath 
at  base,  the  rays  decreasing  in  length  posteriorly;  caudal  subtruncate, 
the  upper  lobe  slightly  the  longest,  with  an  acute  angle,  the  lower  lobe 
somewhat  rounded ;  anal  fin  rather  large,  the  second  spine  rather  strong, 
2.15  to  2.3  in  head ;  ventrals  rather  long,  but  not  reaching  vent ;  pectorals 
short,  not  nearly  reaching  tips  of  ventrals,  1.45  to  1.65  in  head. 

Color  dark  brownish  above,  paler  with  silvery  below;  body  every- 
where with  brown  dots;  rows  of  scales  with  dark  streaks,  prominent 
below  lateral  line ;  dorsals,  caudal  and  pectorals  dusky ;  anal  and  ventrals 
black. 

One  specimen,  180  mm.  long,  was  secured.  The  above  description 
is  based  on  this  and  three  smaller  specimens  from  Acapulco,  Mexico. 

Known  from  the  Pacific  coast  of  tropical  America,  from  Mazatlan 
to  Panama.  Our  specimen  is  from  the  rocky  shores  of  a  small  island 
near  Balboa. 

506.  Corvula  sanctae-luciae  Jordan. 

Corvula  sanctce-lucia  Jordan,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1889,  649  (Port 

Castris,  St.  Lucia)  ;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

XLVII,  1898,  1429;  Evermann  &  Marsh,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm., 

XX,  Pt.  I,  1900  (1902),  217. 

Head  2.9  to  3.3 ;  depth  3  to  3.3 ;  D.  XI-I,  22  or  23 ;  A.  II,  9. 

Body  oblong,  moderately  compressed;  the  back  elevated;  profile 
straight  over  eyes;  ventral  outline  rounded;  head  short;  snout  rather 
blunt,  not  protruding  beyond  premaxillaries,  with  small  slits  and  pores, 
its  length  3.8  to  4.5  in  head;  eye  3.1  to  3.9;  mouth  large,  oblique,  the 
jaws  equal;  premaxillaries  anteriorly  about  on  level  with  lower  margin 
of  pupil;  maxillary  reaching  posterior  margin  of  pupil,  2  to  2.15  in 
head;  chin  without  knob;  preopercular  margin  with  a  crenulate 
membranous  edge;  gill-rakers  long  and  slender,  13  to  16  on  lower  limb 
of  anterior  arch ;  pseudobranchiae  well  developed ;  teeth  small,  no 
canines,  those  in  lower  jaw  in  a  single  series,  unequal ;  upper  jaw  with 
a  series  of  somewhat  enlarged  outer  teeth,  and  a  band  of  very  small 
inner  ones;  scales  rather  large,  smooth  on  head,  elsewhere  ctenoid; 
lower  pharyngeal  teeth  separate,  villiform,  the  upper  ones  in  two 
somewhat  triangular,  widely  separated  villiform  patches;  stomach  with 


APRIL  15,  1925.  FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    693 

7  caeca;  air  bladder  tapering  posteriorly,  coming  to  a  sharp  point, 
anteriorly  with  two  short  horns,  united  at  base,  and  connected  with 
the  main  body  of  air  bladder  by  a  small  opening;  spinous  dorsal  mod- 
erately elevated,  the  spines  weak  and  flexible,  none  of  them  thickened; 
soft  dorsal  rather  low,  the  rays  decreasing  in  length  posteriorly ;  caudal 
subtruncate,  the  upper  lobe  with  an  acute  angle,  the  lower  slightly 
rounded ;  anal  moderate,  the  second  spine  not  much  enlarged,  variable, 
2.4  to  3.4  in  head;  ventrals  rather  short,  not  nearly  reaching  vent; 
pectorals  short,  not  reaching  tips  of  ventrals,  1.45  to  1.7  in  head. 

Color  grayish  to  steel-blue  above,  silvery  below;  rows  of  scales  on 
sides  and  back  with  faint  dark  streaks,  these  not  quite  continuous, 
formed  by  a  dark  spot  on  each  scale;  fins  usually  all  more  or  less 
dusky ;  anal,  ventrals  and  pectorals  often  pale,  with  dusky  punctulations. 

One  hundred  specimens,  ranging  from  60  to  170  mm.  in  length, 
were  preserved.  This  species  is  abundant  on  both  rocky  and  sandy 
bottom  at  Colon.  It  apparently  differs  from  C.  subequalis  in  having  a 
larger  mouth  and  fewer  dorsal  spines;  from  C.  batabana  it  differs  in 
having  fewer  dorsal  rays  and  in  coloration.  C.  batabana  has  more  in- 
tense and  continuous  dark  stripes  along  the  rows  of  scales  which  are 
not  broken  into  spots  as  in  C.  sancta-lucice .  C.  subequalis  and  C. 
batabana  are  two  related  West  Indian  forms.  The  present  species, 
although  rather  small,  is  a  food  fish  of  some  importance  on  the  Isthmus. 

Known  from  Porto  Rico  south  to  Panama.  Previously  recorded 
only  from  Porto  Rico  and  Cuba.  Our  specimens  are  from  Toro  Point ; 
Fox  Bay,  Colon;  Colon  Reef,  and  Colon  market. 

Family  LX.    Pomacentridae. 

THE  DESMOISELLES. 

Body  usually  short  and  deep,  compressed;  mouth  small,  nearly 
always  terminal ;  nostril  single ;  teeth  in  the  jaws  either  conic  or  incisor- 
like,  in  one  or  more  series  or  in  bands,  vomer  and  palatines  toothless; 
preopercle  serrate  or  entire;  suborbital  sheathing  the  maxillary,  its 
lower  margin  free  or  adnate  to  the  cheek;  lower  pharyngeals  fully 
united;  branchiostegals  5  to  7;  gills  3^2,  the  slit  behind  the  last  very 
small  or  obsolete;  gill-membranes  free  from  the  isthmus,  the  rakers 
long  or  short ;  air  bladder  present ;  scales  usually  large,  ctenoid,  present 
on  entire  body  or  wanting  on  snout;  lateral  line  ending  under  soft 
dorsal;  dorsal  fin  long,  continuous,  with  numerous  strong  spines,  the 


694    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

spinous  portion  longer  than  the  soft  part,  the  latter  scaly,  usually 
more  or  less  elevated ;  anal  fin  with  2  spines,  the  soft  portion  similar  to 
that  of  the  dorsal;  ventral  fins  thoracic,  with  I,  5  rays.  A  family  of 
rather  small,  brilliantly  colored  fishes,  living  mostly  on  coral  reefs 
and  among  rocks  where  they  feed  on  small  animals  and  plants.  Most 
of  the  species  vary  markedly  in  color  with  age.  Five  genera  and  9 
species  are  represented  in  the  Panama  collection.  In  one  case  the  same 
species  occurs  on  both  sides  of  the  Isthmus  and  in  other  instances  the 
species  from  the  opposite  sides  are  so  closely  related  that  they  can  be 
separated  only  with  great  difficulty. 

KEY  TO  THE  GENERA. 

a.  Body  elongate,  the  depth  more  than  2  in  the  length;  teeth  in 
the  jaws  conical,  in  bands,  the  outer  ones  enlarged. 

Chromis,  p.  694. 

aa.  Body  deep,  ovate,  the  depth  always  less  than  2  in  length ;  teeth 
in  one  or  two  series,  compressed,  more  or  less  incisor-like. 

b.  Teeth  rather  large,  immovable,  of  about  equal  size  in  each  jaw, 
usually  truncate  or  more  or  less  notched ;  suborbital  narrow  or 
rather    broad,    without    a    deep    notch    between    nostril    and 
maxillary. 

c.  Preopercle  and  suborbital  distinctly  serrate;  teeth  with  straight 
or  slightly  truncate  margins,  never  distinctly  notched;   snout 
mostly  scaly.  Pomacentrus,  p.  697. 

cc.  Preopercle  and  suborbital  entire;  teeth  always  with  distinctly 
notched  margins;  scales  wanting  on  snout. 

d.  Suborbital  with  its  lower  margin  free;  mouth  oblique,  terminal, 
the  lips  thin.  Abudefduf,  p.  700. 

dd.  Suborbital  adnate  to  the  cheek;  mouth  lower,  slightly  inferior, 
the  lips  thick.  Nexilarius,  p.  704. 

bb.  Teeth  smaller,  movable,  those  in  upper  jaw  close  set,  compressed, 
with  entire  margins,  those  in  the  lower  jaw  larger  anteriorly, 
much  reduced  at  sides ;  suborbital  very  broad,  with  a  deep  notch 
between  nostril  and  maxillary.  Microspathodon,  p.  705. 

182.  Genus  Chromis  Cuvier. 

Chromis  Cuvier,  Memoir.  Mus.  Hist.  Nat.  Paris,  I,  1815,  393  (type 

Spar  us  chroinis  Linnaeus). 
Heliases   Cuvier,   Regne  Animal,   Ed.   II,   II,    1829,    180,  495    (type, 

not  indicated,  Heliases  insolatus  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes). 
Furcaria  Poey,  Memorias,  II,  1860,  194  (type  Furcaria  puncta  Poey). 


APRIL  15,  1925.  FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.   695 

Ayresia  Cooper,  Proc.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  Ill,  1863,  73  (type  Ayresia  punc- 

tipinnis  Cooper). 

Body  oblong,  the  depth  usually  less  than  half  the  length;  mouth 
small;  teeth  conical,  in  2  or  more  series  or  in  bands,  the  outer  ones 
enlarged,  blunt;  gill-rakers  rather  numerous,  slender;  scales  large, 
24  to  33  in  a  lateral  series ;  snout  scaly  nearly  to  the  lips ;  dorsal  spines 
12  to  24;  caudal  fin  forked. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES. 

a.  Eye  3  to  3.35  in  head;  dorsal  with  n  or  12  soft  rays;  anal 
with  10  or  ii  rays;  scales  in  transverse  series  29  to  31 ;  spot  at 
base  of  upper  rays  of  pectoral  dark  brownish,  not  very 
pronounced.  marginatus,  p.  695. 

aa.  Eye  3.45  to  3.9  in  head;  dorsal  with  12  or  13  rays;  anal  with 
ii  or  12  rays ;  scales  in  transverse  series  31  to  33 ;  spot  at  base  of 
pectoral  black,  very  pronounced.  atrilobatus,  p.  696. 

507.  Chromis  marginatus  (Castelnau).     (Plate  LXIX,  fig.  i.) 
Heliosis  marginata  Castelnau,  Anim.  Nouv.  Rares  Amer.  Sud,  1855, 

9,  PI.  Ill,  fig.  i  (Bahia,  Brazil). 
Chromis  marginatus  Jordan   &   Evermann,   Bull.   U.    S.    Nat.    Mus., 

XLVII,  1898,  1546. 

Head  3.3  to  3.9;  depth  2.3  to  3.5;  D.  XII,  n  or  12;  A.  II,  10  or 
ii ;  scales  29  to  31. 

Body  elongate,  tapering  gradually  backward,  compressed;  anterior 
profile  not  notably  elevated,  nearly  straight  over  eyes,  convex  at  nape; 
head  moderate;  snout  tapering,  its  length  3.57  to  4.15  in  head;  eye  3  to 
3.35 ;  mouth  small,  terminal,  oblique ;  the  maxillary  reaching  to  or 
slightly  past  anterior  margin  of  eye;  teeth  in  the  jaws  anteriorly  in 
bands,  in  a  single  series  at  sides,  the  outer  ones  enlarged,  conical; 
preopercle  very  finely  serrate;  suborbital  coalesced  with  the  cheek; 
gill-rakers  rather  slender,  numerous,  about  25  on  lower  limb  of  first 
arch;  lateral  line  slightly  arched,  ending  under  the  last  rays  of  the 
dorsal;  scales  ctenoid,  rather  large,  present  on  entire  body;  vertical  fins 
with  small  scales  at  base;  dorsal  fin  long,  continuous,  the  spines  short, 
not  graduated,  some  of  the  median  ones  longer  than  the  posterior 
ones,  some  of  the  rays  of  the  soft  part  somewhat  elevated,  scarcely 
reaching  base  of  caudal  when  deflexed ;  caudal  fin  deeply  forked,  both 
lobes  strongly  pointed,  one  of  the  rays  on  each  lobe  often  filamentous ; 
anal  fin  with  2  strong  spines,  the  soft  portion  similar  to  that  of  the 
dorsal ;  ventral  fins  small,  reaching  to  or  slightly  past  the  vent ;  pectoral 


696    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

fins  moderate,  reaching  slightly  past  the  tips  of  the  ventrals,  equal  to 
or  slightly  shorter  than  head. 

Color  in  alcohol  dark  brownish  above,  silvery  below;  scales  with 
dark  margins;  a  yellow  spot  on  caudal  peduncle,  under  and  behind 
last  rays  of  dorsal,  and  an  indication  of  a  yellowish  stripe  along  middle 
of  sides,  and  narrower  pale  stripes  along  the  rows  of  scales ;  dorsal  fin 
black,  except  posterior  rays,  and  with  a  narrow  translucent  margin; 
caudal  fin  with  the  outer  half  of  each  lobe  black,  narrowly  margined 
with  white,  the  middle  rays  plain  translucent ;  anal  fin  mostly  dusky,  the 
posterior  rays  and  the  margin  pale;  ventral  fins  dusky,  with  pale  tips; 
pectorals  plain  translucent,  with  a  dark  spot  at  base  of  upper  rays,  which 
may  or  may  not  extend  all  the  way  across  the  base  of  the  fin,  involving 
the  axil. 

This  beautiful  little  fish  is  represented  by  10  specimens,  ranging 
from  95  to  125  mm.  in  length.  A  female  taken  on  March  15,  1912,  has 
the  ovaries  well  distended  with  eggs,  indicating  that  this  species  spawns 
in  the  spring.  We  have  referred  our  specimens  to  C.  marginatus,  but 
we  are  of  the  opinion  that  further  study  will  show  that  C.  multilineatus 
(Guichenot),  C,  cyaneus  (Poey)  and  C.  punctatus  (Poey)  are  all 
identical. 

Known  from  Panama  to  Brazil.  Our  specimens  are  from  Porto 
Bello. 

508.  Chromis  atrilobatus  Gill.     (Plate  LXIX,  fig.  2.) 

Chromis  (Furcaria)  atrilobata  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1862, 

149  (Cape  San  Lucas). 

Chromis  atrilobatus  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1863,  220;  Jordan 
&  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1898,  1546;  Gilbert  & 
Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  139,  PI.  XXI,  fig.  43 
(Panama  Bay)  ;  Kendall  &  Radcliff,  Memoir.  Mus.  Comp.  Zool., 
XXXV,  1912,  136  (Toboguilla  Island;  Acapulco). 
Head  3.2  to  3.6;  depth  2.25  to  2.7;  D.  XII,  12  or  13;  A.  n  or 
12;  scales  31  to  33. 

This  species  is  very  closely  related  to  C.  marginatus  but  differs  from 
it  in  several  minor  characters.  The  eye  is  somewhat  smaller,  in  7 
specimens,  ranging  from  95  to  135  mm.  in  length,  it  is  contained  3.45 
to  3.9  in  head.  In  a  similar  series  of  C.  marginatus  the  eye  is  contained 
3  to  3.35  in  head.  When  specimens  of  like  size  are  compared  this 
difference  is  at  once  noticeable.  The  dorsal  and  anal  fins  are  slightly 
longer  and  the  scales  are  a  little  smaller,  as  shown  by  the  enumerations 
of  a  series  of  10  specimens  given  above. 


APRIL  15,  1925.  FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    697 

Our  Pacific  coast  specimens  are  somewhat  darker  in  color  than  the 
Atlantic  ones,  and  the  dark  spot  at  the  base  of  the  upper  rays  of  the 
pectoral  is  larger  and  much  more  pronounced.  In  other  respects  the 
color  markings  are  identical. 

Of  this  beautiful  little  fish  we  have  48  specimens,  ranging  in  length 
from  70  to  135  mm.  Females  taken  on  March  27,  1912,  have  the 
ovaries  well  distended  with  eggs,  indicating  that  the  spawning  season 
occurs  in  the  spring.  It  is  a  rather  common  species  about  the  small 
islands  near  Panama  City. 

Known  from  Cape  San  Lucas  to  Panama  Bay  and  the  coast  of  Peru. 
Our  specimens  were  taken  near  Balboa. 

183.  Genus  Pomacentrus  Lacepede. 

Pomacentrus    Lacepede,    Hist.    Nat.    Poiss.,    IV,    1803,    505     (type 

Ch&todon  pavo  Bloch). 
Pristotis    Riippell,    Neue    Wirbelthiere,     1835,     128     (type    Pristotis 

cyanostigma  (  Riippell ) . 
Parapomacentrus  Bleeker,  Nat.  Verh.  Holl.  Maats.  Weten.,  II,  1877, 

65  (type  Parapomacentrus  polynema  Bleeker). 
Ambly  pomacentrus  Bleeker,  Nat.  Verh.  Holl.  Maats.  Weten.,  II,  1877, 

68  (type  Pomacentrus  breviceps  Bleeker). 
Eupomacentrus  Bleeker,  Nat.  Verh.  Holl.  Maats.  Weten.,  II,  1877,  73 

(type  Pomacentrus  lividus  Bleeker). 
Br  achy  pomacentrus  Bleeker,  Nat.  Verh.  Holl.  Maats.  Weten.,  II,  1877, 

73  (type  Pomacentrus  albifasciatus  Bleeker). 

Body  ovate,  compressed ;  the  anterior  profile  steep,  convex ;  head 
short  and  deep ;  snout  blunt ;  mouth  small,  terminal ;  each  jaw  with  one 
or  two  series  of  close  set,  compressed,  immovable  teeth,  with  straight 
or  truncate  margins,  never  distinctly  notched  or  bifid;  preopercle  and 
suborbital  serrate;  gill-rakers  moderate;  scales  large,  ctenoid,  present 
on  entire  body,  except  a  small  area  about  the  mouth;  dorsal  fin  long, 
continuous,  scaly  at  base,  with  12  or  13  short  graduated  spines,  the  soft 
part  more  or  less  elevated;  caudal  fin  moderately  forked,  the  lobes 
rounded ;  anal  fin  with  2  strong  spines,  the  soft  portion  similar  to  that 
of  the  dorsal.  We  refer  our  specimens  to  two  doubtfully  distinct 
species.  The  species  appear  to  be  much  confused  and  the  entire  genus 
shows  need  of  revision. 


698    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES. 

a.  Anal  fin  with  12  or  13  rays;  head  usually  with  many  small 
accessory  scales.  rectifrcenum,  p.  698. 

aa.  Anal  fin  with  13  or  14  rays,  the  usual  number  being  14;  head 
with  few  or  no  small  accessory  scales.  fuscus,  p.  699. 

509.  Pomacentrus  reclifraenum  (Gill). 

Pomacentrus  rectifrcenum  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1862,  148 

(Cape  San  Lucas)  ;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV, 

1904,   140   (Panama  Bay)  ;   Kendall  &  Radcliffe,   Memoir.   Mus. 

Comp.  Zool.,  XXXV,  1912,  126  (Acaptilco;  Toboguilla  and  Perico 

islands). 
Pomacentrus  flavilatus  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1862,  148  (Cape 

San  Lucas)  ;  Boulenger,  Bull.  Mus.  Zool.  Anat.  Torino,  XIV,  No. 

346,  1899,  3  (Panama  Bay)  ;  Kendall  &  Radcliffe,  Memoir.  Mus. 

Comp.  Zool.,  XXXV,  1912,  131  (Acapulco  and  Perico  Islands). 
Pomacentrus  analigutta  Giinther,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus.,  IV,  1862,  27 

(Cape  San  Lucas;  after  Gill,  MS.). 
Eupomacentrus  rectifrcenum  Jordan  &  Evermann,   Bull.  U.   S.   Nat. 

Mus.,  XLVII,  1898,  1553. 
Pomacentrus  rectifrenum  Boulenger,  Boll.  Mus.  Zool.  Anat.  Torino, 

XIV,  No.  346,  1899,  3  (Panama  Bay). 
Pomacentrus  gilli  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904, 

141,  PI.  XXII,  fig.  44  (Panama  Bay)  ;  Kendall  &  Radcliffe,  Memoir. 

Mus.  Comp.  Zool.,  XXXV,  1912,  128  (Acapulco;  Toboguilla  and 

Perico  islands). 

Head  2.9  to  3.4;  depth  1.6  to  2.1 ;  D.  XII,  14  or  15;  A.  II,  12  or 
13;  scales  27  to  29. 

Body  deep,  compressed ;  anterior  profile  rather  steep,  convex ;  head 
short;  snout  blunt;  mouth  small,  terminal;  the  maxillary  failing  to 
reach  eye  in  adult;  teeth  in  a  single  continuous  series  in  each  jaw, 
flattened,  incisor-like;  preopercle  serrate;  suborbital  rather  broad,  its 
free  margin  serrate,  at  least  posteriorly;  gill-membranes  united,  partly 
free  from  isthmus,  the  rakers  short,  9  to  n  more  or  less  developed 
on  lower  limb  of  first  arch ;  lateral  line  arched,  ending  under  the  soft 
dorsal;  scales  large,  ctenoid,  covering  nearly  the  entire  body,  only  a 
small  area  about  the  mouth  naked;  vertical  fins  scaly,  at  least  at  base; 
dorsal  fin  long,  its  origin  over  posterior  margin  of  opercle,  the  spines 
strong,  graduated,  the  last  one  equal  to  length  of  snout  and  half  the 
eye,  the  soft  part  short,  its  margin  not  strongly  angulate ;  .caudal  fin 
moderately  forked,  both  lobes  rounded,  the  upper  one  the  longer;  anal 


APRIL  15,  1925.  FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.   699 

fin  with  2  strong  spines,  the  soft  part  similar  to  that  of  the  dorsal ; 
ventral  fins  moderate,  the  outer  ray  more  or  less  produced;  pectoral 
fins  broad,  I  to  1.25  in  head. 

Color  variable,  brownish;  the  adults  usually  uniform  in  color, 
varying  from  light  brown  to  very  dark  brown,  but  the  young  often 
marked  with  bluish  spots  and  sometimes  with  bluish  lines  on  head; 
scales  with  or  without  distinct  black  margins;  a  black  ocellus  present 
on  the  base  of  the  anterior  soft  rays  of  dorsal  which  may  persist  until 
the  fish  reaches  a  length  of  80  mm.,  but  which  more  usually  disappears 
earlier;  upper  surface  of  caudal  peduncle  with  a  dark  blotch;  the 
pectoral  and  caudal  fins  plain  translucent  in  the  young;  in  the  adult 
the  caudal  fin  becomes  brownish  like  the  dorsal,  the  pectorals  remain- 
ing translucent  or  becoming  brownish,  with  a  dark  spot  at  base  of  upper 
ray  constantly  present;  anal  and  ventrals  somewhat  darker  than  the 
body. 

We  have  35  specimens  of  this  species,  ranging  from  45  to  140  mm. 
in  length.  Besides  these  we  have  at  hand  quite  a  number  of  specimens 
taken  in  Panama  Bay  by  the  Albatross.  We  have  also  examined  Dr. 
Gill's  types  of  P.  rectifrcenum,  P.  analigutta  and  P.  flavilatus.  In  the 
light  of  the  study  of  this  large  amount  of  material,  we  refer  P. 
analigutta  and  P.  flavilatus,  both  of  Gill,  and  P.  gilli  of  Gilbert  & 
Starks  all  to  the  present  species.  This  fish  is  very  common  in  the  tide 
pools  and  among  the  rocks  near  Panama  City  and  is  used  as  food  to  a 
limited  extent. 

Known  from  Mazatlan  south  to  Panama.  Our  specimens  are  from 
Taboga  Island,  Naos  Island,  Balboa,  and  the  Panama  City  market. 

510.  Pomacentrus  fuscus  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes. 

Pomacentrus  fuscus  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  V,  1830, 

432   (Brazil). 
^Pomacentrus  variabilis  Castelnau,  Anim.   Nouv.  Rares  Amer.   Sud, 

1855,  9,  PI.  Ill,  fig.  3  (Bahia,  Brazil). 
Eupomacentrus  fuscus  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

XLVII,  1898,  1552;  Fowler,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1916,  405 

(Colon). 

Head  2.85  to  3.2;  depth  1.7  to  2;  D.  XII,  14  or  15;  A.  II,  13  or  14, 
the  usual  number  being  14;  scales  26  to  28. 

This  species  is  scarcely  separable  from  P.  rectifrcenum,  the  only 
constant  difference  noticed  is  the  slightly  longer  anal  fin  in  P.  fuscus, 
which  has  13  or  14  soft  rays,  the  more  usual  number  being  14.  P. 
rectifrcenum  has  12  or  13  rays  in  the  anal  fin,  the  former  number 


700    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

occurring  as  frequently  as  the  latter.  The  number  of  small  accessory 
scales  on  the  head  is  a  very  variable  character,  and  probably  of  no 
specific  importance,  yet  it  is  evident  that  these  occur  less  frequently 
in  the  Atlantic  specimens  than  in  the  Pacific  ones.  The  color,  while 
in  general  identical,  is  more  uniformly  dark  brown  in  the  Atlantic 
specimens.  Blue  spots  are  present  on  the  head  and  base  of  anal  of  only 
a  few  specimens.  The  young  bear  the  ocellus  on  the  dorsal  fin,  and 
the  black  spots  on  the  caudal  peduncle  behind  the  dorsal  fin  exactly  as  in 
P.  rectifr&num. 

This  is  a  very  common  species  among  rocks  and  in  tide  pools  on 
the  Atlantic  coast  of  Panama.  Numerous  specimens,  ranging  from  27 
to  96  mm.  in  length,  were  preserved.  We  have  referred  our  specimens 
to  P.  fuscus.  We,  however,  do  not  understand  the  relationship  of  the 
Atlantic  species.  Owing  to  much  individual  variation,  confusion  has 
arisen,  and  the  need  of  a  thorough  study  and  revision,  based  on  a 
large  series  of  specimens  from  various  localities,  is  evident. 

The  probable  range  of  this  species  extends  from  Florida  to  Brazil. 
Our  specimens  are  from  Toro  Point,  Colon  and  Porto  Bello. 

184.  Genus  Abudefduf  Forskal. 

Abu-defduf  Forskal,  Descr.  Animal.,  1775,  59  (type  Chatodon  sordidus 
Forskal). 

Glyphisodon  Lacepede,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  IV,  1803,  542  (type 
Glyphisodon  moucharra  Lacepede  =  Ch&todon  saxatilis  Linnaeus). 

Euschistodus  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1862,  145  (type 
Euschistodus  dedivifrons  Gill). 

Body  deep,  compressed;  head  short;  mouth  small,  terminal;  pre- 
opercle  and  suborbital  entire,  the  lower  margin  of  the  latter  free,  not 
adnate  to  the  cheek ;  teeth  in  a  single  continuous  series,  flattened,  more 
or  less  bifid;  scales  large,  ctenoid,  covering  entire  body,  except  snout; 
dorsal  fin  long,  continuous,  usually  with  13  spines,  the  last  ones  shorter 
than  the  median  ones.  Two  species  were  taken  on  the  coast  of  Panama. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES. 

a.  Scales  moderate,  28  to  30  in  a  lateral  series,  4  complete  rows 
between  lateral  line  and  origin  of  dorsal;  caudal  fin  deeply 
forked ;  all  the  lobes  of  the  vertical  fins  strongly  angulate ;  cross- 
bars usually  quite  distinct,  equal  to  or  narrower  than  the 
interspaces.  saxatalis,  p.  701. 


<    En 


APRIL  15,  1925.  FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.   701 

aa.  Scales  large,  26  to  28  in  a  lateral  series,  3  complete  rows  between 
lateral  line  and  origin  of  dorsal;  caudal  fin  not  deeply  forked; 
the  lobes  of  the  vertical  fins  not  angulate;  cross-bars  often  in- 
distinct, broader  than  the  interspaces.  analogus,  p.  703. 

511.  Abudefduf  saxatilis  (Linnaeus).     (Plate  LXX.) 

Chcetodon  saxatilis  Linnaeus,  Syst.  Nat.,  Ed.  X,  1758,  276  ("India"). 

Chcetodon  mauritii  Bloch,  Naturg.  Ausl.  Fische,  III,   1787,   109,  PL 

CCXIII,  fig.  i  (Brazil;  based  on  a  drawing  by  Prince  Maurice). 
Chcetodon  marginatus  Bloch,  Naturg.  Ausl.  Fische,  III,  1787,  98,  PI. 

CCVII  (Martinique). 
Chcetodon  sargoides  Lacepede,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  IV,  1803,  471,  PI.  X, 

fig.  3  (Martinique;  on  a  drawing  by  Plumier). 

Glyphisodon  moucliarra  Lacepede,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  IV,   1803,  543 

(Brazil,  etc.). 
Glyphisodon  saxatilis  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,   Hist.   Nat.   Poiss.,  V, 

1830,  446;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  143 

(Panama  Bay). 
Glyphidodon  iroschelii  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1862,  150  (Cape 

San  Lucas) . 
Abudefduf  saxatilis   Jordan   &   Evermann,   Bull.   U.    S.    Nat.    Mus., 

XLVII,  1898,  1561,  PI.  CCXXXIV,  fig.  590;  Kendall  &  Radcliffe, 

Memoir.  Mus.  Comp.  Zool.,  XXXV,  1912,  134  (Acapulco;  Perico 

and  Toboguilla  islands,  Panama  Bay;  Chatham  Island). 
Abudefduf  dedivifrons  Kendall  &  Radcliffe,   Memoir.   Mus.   Comp. 

Zool.,  XXXV,  1912,  135  (Perico  and  Toboguilla  islands,  Panama 

Bay);  Fowler,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1916,  410  (Panama). 
Abudefduf  mauritii  Fowler,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1916,  405  and 

410  (Colon;  Panama),  and  1917,  133  (Colon). 

Head  2.75  to  3.45;  depth  1.55  to  1.9;  D.  XII,  13  (rarely  12); 
A.  II,  ii  or  12  (rarely  10)  ;  scales  28  to  30. 

Body  deep,  compressed;  the  back  elevated;  profile  straight  or 
slightly  concave  over  eyes,  strongly  convex  at  nape ;  head  short ;  snout 
blunt,  its  length  3.2  to  4.25  in  head;  eye  2.4  to  3.6;  mouth  small, 
terminal;  the  maxillary  scarcely  reaching  anterior  margin  of  eye  in 
adult,  slightly  past  anterior  margin  of  eye  in  young;  teeth  in  a  single 
continuous  series,  flattened  and  slightly  bifid;  preopercle  entire; 
stiborbital  very  narrow,  usually  narrower  than  pupil  even  in  adult,  its 


702    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

lower  margin  free;  gill-membranes  free  from  the  isthmus,  the  rakers 
about  half  the  length  of  eye  in  adult,  16  to  21  on  lower  limb  of  first 
arch ;  lateral  line  arched,  ending  below  base  of  last  rays  of  dorsal ;  scales 
large,  present  on  head,  except  snout,  4  or  4^  rows  between  lateral 
line  and  origin  of  dorsal,  10  or  n  between  lateral  line  and  origin  of 
anal;  vertical  fins  with  small  scales;  the  dorsal  and  anal  with  a  sheath 
of  rather  large  scales  at  base;  dorsal  fin  long,  continuous,  the  spines 
strong,  the  longest  equal  to  snout  and  half  the  eye  in  adult,  the  soft 
part  shorter,  strongly  angulate  in  adult;  caudal  fin  deeply  forked,  the 
lobes  angulate,  the  upper  one  the  longer ;  anal  fin  with  2  strong  spines, 
the  soft  portion  similar  to  that  of  the  dorsal ;  ventral  fins  moderate,  the 
outer  ray  produced,  often  filamentous ;  pectoral  fins  rather  long,  exceed- 
ing the  length  of  head  in  the  adult,  equal  to  or  shorter  than  head  in 
young,  2.7  to  3.4  in  length  of  body. 

Color  rather  variable,  some  individuals  much  darker  than  others, 
ground  color  usually  green;  upper  parts  of  head  dusky;  sides  with 
5  broad  dusky  bars,  which  are  obscure  in  very  dark  specimens; 
pectorals  light  green  with  black  axil,  the  other  fins  usually  of  the  same 
color  as  the  body;  in  the  very  young  the  pectorals,  caudal,  soft  dorsal 
and  anal  are  colorless,  and  the  dusky  bars  on  side  are  indistinct. 

We  have  made  a  careful  comparison  of  our  material  from  the 
opposite  coasts,  but  we  are  unable  to  detect  any  differences.  We  have 
over  200  specimens  from  the  Pacific,  ranging  from  20  to  185  mm. 
in  length  and  61  from  the  Atlantic,  which  range  in  length  from  25  to 
155  mm.  This  species  is  very  common  in  tide  pools  and  on  coral 
reefs  on  both  coasts.  We  have  examined  specimens  listed  as  A. 
declizifrons  from  Panama  Bay  by  Kendall  &  Radcliffe,  but  we  refer 
these  to  the  present  species.  It  indeed  seems  doubtful  to  us  whether 
A.  declivifrons  can  be  retained  as  a  valid  species.  This  species  is  said 
to  differ  from  A.  saxatilis  principally  in  the  broader  suborbital.  This 
proves  to  be  a  variable  character ;  however,  we  have  not  found  a  speci- 
men among  our  large  series  in  which  the  suborbital  is  quite  as  greatly 
expanded  as  a  specimen  in  the  National  Museum  from  Cape  San  Lucas, 
probably  a  paratype,  which  we  have  at  hand  for  comparison.  This  fish 
is  used  as  food  to  a  limited  extent. 

Known  from  Lower  California  south  to  Peru  and  from  Rhode 
Island  to  Uruguay.  Our  Pacific  coast  specimens  are  from  Chame 
Point,  Taboga  Island,  Naos  Island,  Balboa  and  Panama.  Atlantic 
specimens  are  from  Toro  Point,  Colon  and  Porto  Bello. 


o  - 

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v>  '". 

§  E 

o  E 


APRIL  15,  1925.  FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    703 

512.  Abudefduf  analogus  (Gill).    (Plate  LXXI.) 

Euschistodus  analogus  •  Gill,   Proc.   Ac.    Nat.    Sci.    Phila.,    1863,   219 

(Aspinwall,  now  Colon,  Panama). 
Abudefduf  analogus  Jordan  &   Evermann,   Bull.   U.    S.   Nat.   Mus., 

XLVII,  1898,  1563. 
Abudefduf  concolor  Metzelaar,  Over  Tropisch  Atlantische  Visschen, 

Amsterdam,  1919,  99  (Dutch  West  Indies;  not  of  Gill). 

Head  2.7  to  3.35;  depth  1.65  to  1.8;  D.  XIII,  12  or  13;  A.  II, 
9  or  10;  scales  26  to  28. 

Body  rather  deep,  compressed;  the  back  moderately  elevated; 
anterior  profile  gently  convex;  head  short;  snout  blunt,' its  length  2.4 
to  3.4  in  head;  eye  2.8  to  4.25;  mouth  small,  terminal;  the  maxillary 
scarcely  reaching  anterior  margin  of  eye ;  teeth  in  a  single  series,  rather 
large,  flattened  and  distinctly  bifid ;  preopercle  nearly  entire ;  suborbital 
rather  broad,  as  wide  as  half  the  eye  in  specimens  140  mm.  in  length, 
narrower  than  pupil  in  very  young;  gill-membranes  free  from  the 
isthmus,  the  rakers  short,  11  or  12  more  or  less  developed  on  lower  limb 
of  first  arch ;  lateral  line  arched,  ending  below  base  of  last  dorsal  rays ; 
scales  large,  present  on  head,  except  snout,  3  complete  rows  of  scales 
between  lateral  line  and  origin  of  dorsal,  8  or  9  between  lateral  line 
and  origin  of  anal;  vertical  fins  with  scales  on  base;  dorsal  fin  long, 
continuous,  the  spines  strong,  the  longest  not  greatly  exceeding  length 
of  snout,  the  soft  part  short,  not  strongly  angulate ;  caudal  fin  not  very 
deeply  forked,  the  lobes  not  angulate;  anal  fin  with  2  strong  spines, 
the  soft  portion  similar  to  that  of  the  dorsal ;  ventral  fins  moderate,  the 
outer  ray  rarely  produced;  pectoral  fins  about  equal  to  the  length  of 
head,  3.5  to  3.9  in  length  of  body. 

Color  rather  dark  brown ;  young  with  cross-bars  which  are  broader 
than  the  interspace,  these  becoming  indistinct  in  adult ;  fins  of  the  same 
color  as  the  body ;  pectoral  fin  with  black  axil. 

This  species  is  represented  by  20  specimens,  ranging  from  27  to  190 
mm.  in  length.  It  may  be  distinguished  from  A.  saxatilis  by  the  more 
elongate  teeth,  less  strongly  forked  caudal  fin,  the  rounded  lobes  of 
the  vertical  fins  and  by  the  broader  and  less  distinct  cross-bars. 

This  species  is  known  only  from  the  Atlantic  coast  of  Panama. 
Our  specimens  were  taken  at  Toro  Point  and  Colon. 


704    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

185.  Genus  Nexilarius  Gilbert. 

Nexilarius  Gilbert,  in  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Kept.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm., 
XXI,  1895  (1896),  512  (misprinted  Nexilaris;  type  Euschistodus 
concolor  Gill). 
This   genus    differs    from    Abudefduf    principally    in    the    adnate 

suborbital  which  is  coalesced  with  the  cheek ;  the  mouth  is  lower  and  the 

lips  are  thicker.    Only  a  single  species  is  known. 

513.  Nexilarius  concolor  (Gill). 

Euschistodus  concolor  Gill,   Proc.   Ac.    Nat.    Sci.    Phila.,    1862,    145 

(Panama). 
Nexilarius  concolor  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Kept.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm., 

XXI,  1895   (1896),  512;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat. 

Mus.,  XLVII,  1898,  1559;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci., 

IV,  1904,  143  (Panama  Bay). 

Head  3.2  to  3.6;  depth  1.7  to  1.8;  D.  XIII,  12  or  13;  A.  II,  10  or 
1 1 ;  scales  26  to  28. 

Body  deep,  compressed;  anterior  profile  rather  steep,  strongly 
convex;  head  short;  snout  blunt,  its  length  2.6  to  3  in  head;  eye  2.95 
to  3.6;  mouth  small,  slightly  inferior;  the  lips  thick;  the  maxillary 
reaching  to  or  slightly  past  anterior  margin  of  eye ;  teeth  broad,  deeply 
notched,  bifid;  preopercle  without  definite  serrse;  suborbital  adnate  to 
the  cheek;  gill-rakers  moderate,  about  10  more  or  less  developed  on 
lower  limb  of  first  arch ;  lateral  line  arched,  ending  under  soft  dorsal ; 
scales  larger,  ctenoid,  snout  partly  naked;  ventral  fins  scaly  at  base; 
dorsal  fin  long,  continuous,  the  spines  rather  short,  not  graduated,  the 
longest  equal  to  length  of  snout  and  half  the  eye,  the  soft  part  somewhat 
elevated,  but  not  strongly  angulate;  caudal  fin  moderately  forked,  the 
lobes  angulate  at  outer  rays,  the  upper  one  the  longer;  anal  fin  with 
2  strong  spines,  the  soft  portion  similar  to  that  of  dorsal;  ventral  fins 
rather  long,  the  outer  ray  somewhat  produced,  reaching  to  or  past  vent ; 
pectoral  fins  broad,  equal  to  or  slightly  shorter  than  head. 

Color  in  spirits  nearly  uniform  dark  brown;  margin  of  scales 
dusky;  some  of  the  specimens  with  very  indistinct  dark  cross-bars; 
fins  mostly  very  dark;  the  outer  ray  of  ventrals  pale;  pectoral  with  a 
black  blotch  at  base  of  upper  rays,  a  pale  area  across  base  of  fin,  then 
dark,  the  margin  pale. 

This  species  is  common  among  rocks  and  in  tide  pools.  We  pre- 
served 29  specimens,  ranging  from  95  to  175  mm.  in  length. 


UfMI 

APRIL  15,  1925.  FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.   705 

Known  from  the  Pacific  coasts  of  Panama  and  Costa  Rica,  and  the 
Galapagos  Islands.  Our  specimens  were  taken  at  Taboga  Island  and 
Balboa. 

186.  Genus  Microspathodon  Giinther. 

Microspathodon  Giinther,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus.,  IV,  1862,  35   (type 

Glyphisodon  chrysurus  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes). 
Pomataprion  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1863,  216  (type  Hypsypops 

dorsalis  Gill). 

Body  deep,  compressed;  head  deep,  broad;  mouth  low;  teeth  in 
upper  jaw  in  a  single  series,  small,  close  set,  compressed,  with  entire 
margins,  all  movable,  those  of  lower  jaw  larger  anteriorly,  reduced  at 
sides  (not  entirely  wanting  at  sides  in  the  species  at  hand,  as  described 
by  most  authors)  ;  suborbital  very  broad,  its  lower  margin  free, 
with  a  deep  notch  between  nostril  and  maxillary ;  scales  larger  on  trunk, 
reduced  on  upper  parts  of  head;  snout  scaled  almost  to  the  lips;  soft 
dorsal  and  anal  fins  with  median  rays  more  or  less  elevated;  caudal 
fin  forked.  Two  species  are  known  from  Panama ;  one  from  each  coast. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES. 

a.  Dorsal  fin  with  16  or  17  soft  rays;  snout  rather  long,  1.8  to 
2.15  in  head ;  median  rays  of  soft  dorsal  and  anal,  and  the  caudal 
lobes  notably  produced,  falcate.  dorsalis,  p.  705. 

aa.  Dorsal  fin  with  14  or  15  soft  rays;  snout  rather  short,  2.3  to 
2.5  in  head;  median  rays  of  soft  dorsal  and  anal,  and  caudal 
lobes  not  produced  and  not  falcate.  chrysurus,  p.  706. 

514.  Microspathodon  dorsalis  (Gill). 

Hypsypops  dorsalis  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1862,  147  (Cape 

San  Lucas). 
Pomacentrus  quadrigutta  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1862,  149 

(Cape  San  Lucas;  young). 

Pomataprion  dorsalis  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1863,  216. 
Microspathodon  cinereus  Gilbert,  Proc.   U.   S.   Nat.   Mus.,   1890,  71 

(Clarion  and  Socorro  islands). 
Microspathodon  asurissimus  Jordan  &  Starks,  in  Jordan,  Proc.  Cal.  Ac. 

Sci.,  2nd  Ser.,  V,  1895,  478,  PI.  XLIV   (Venados  Islands,  near 

Mazatlan). 

Microspathodon  dorsalis  asurissimus  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Rept.  U.  S. 
Fish  Comm.,  XXI,  1895  (1896),  411. 


!  v/  HIM  MI/  i 

i    i  $  (i 

706    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

Microspathodon  dorsalis  cinereus  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Kept.  U.  S.  Fish 

Comm.,  XXI,  1895  (1896),  411. 
Microspathodon  dorsalis  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

XLVII,  1898,  1568,  PI.  CCXXXVI,  fig.  594;  Gilbert  &  Starks, 

Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  143  (Acapulco  and  Panama  Bay). 

Head  2.8  to  3.1;  depth  1.65  to  1.75;  D.  XII,  16  or  17;  A.  II,  13 
or  14;  scales  27  or  28. 

Body  very  deep,  strongly  compressed ;  anterior  profile  steep,  nearly 
straight  in  front  of  eyes  in  adult,  convex  in  young;  head  short;  snout 
not  greatly  in  advance  of  forehead,  its  length  1.8  to  2.15  in  head;  eye 
3.3  to  5.4;  mouth  small,  rather  low,  horizontal,  the  jaws  of  about  equal 
length;  teeth  in  the  upper  jaw  small,  close  set,  flattened,  movable, 
present  on  entire  outer  edge  of  jaw,  those  on  lower  jaw  larger  and 
stronger,  present  on  entire  margin  of  the  jaw,  reduced  at  sides ; 
preopercle  entire;  suborbital  very  broad,  its  lower  margin  free  and 
entire ;  gill-rakers  short,  about  14  more  or  less  developed  on  lower  limb 
of  first  arch;  lateral  line  strongly  arched,  ending  under  soft  dorsal; 
scales  ctenoid,  large  on  trunk,  reduced  on  upper  parts  of  head,  present 
on  snout ;  vertical  fins  densely  scaled ;  dorsal  fin  long,  continuous,  the 
spines  short,  graduated,  the  soft  part  falcate,  a  few  of  the  rays  notably 
produced  in  adult;  caudal  fin  deeply  forked,  both  lobes  with  the  outer 
rays  produced,  the  upper  one  the  longer;  anal  fin  with  two  strong 
spines,  the  soft  portion  similar  to  that  of  the  dorsal ;  ventral  fins  rather 
long,  pointed,  reaching  nearly  or  quite  to  origin  of  anal;  pectoral  fins 
broad,  1.05  to  1.3  in  head. 

Color  said  to  be  variable;  specimens  at  hand  bluish  black  above, 
somewhat  paler  below;  fins  very  dark,  the  pectorals,  soft  dorsal  and 
anal,  and  the  caudal  with  pale  margins. 

This  species  was  not  taken  by  us,  although  reported  as  common  at 
Panama  by  Gilbert  &  Starks.  The  above  description  is  based  on 
specimens  in  the  National  Museum,  ranging  from  120  to  300  mm.  in 
length,  taken  at  Acapulco,  Panama,  and  the  Galapagos  Islands. 

Known  from  Cape  San  Lucas  to  the  Galapagos  Islands. 

515.  Microspathodon  chrysums  (Cuvier  &  Valenciennes). 
Glyphisodon  chrysurus  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  V, 

1830,  476  (St.  Thomas). 

Pomacentrus  denegatus  Poey,  Memorias,  II,  1860,  190  (Cuba). 
Microspathodon  chrysurus  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

XLVII,  1898,  1567,  PI.  CCXXXV,  fig.  593. 


niuM 

APRIL  15,  1925.  FISHES  OF  PANAMA  — MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    707 

Head  2.85  to  3.15;  depth  1.75  to  1.85;  D.  XII,  14  or  15;  A.  II, 
12  or  13;  scales  27  or  28. 

Body  rather  deep,  compressed;  anterior  profile  elevated,  rather 
strongly  convex;  head  short;  snout  moderate,  its  length  2.3  to  2.5  in 
head;  eye  3.6  to  4.35;  mouth  small,  terminal,  slightly  oblique;  teeth  in 
the  upper  jaw  small,  close  set,  flattened,  movable,  curved  inward,  those 
on  lower  jaw  anteriorly  larger  and  stronger,  reduced  at  sides ;  preopercle 
entire;  suborbital  broad,  its  lower  margin  free,  entire;  gill-rakers  very 
short,  13  to  16  more  or  less  developed  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch; 
lateral  line  gently  arched,  ending  under  soft  dorsal;  scales  finely 
ctenoid,  larger  on  trunk,  reduced  on  upper  parts  of  the  head,  present  on 
snout;  vertical  fins  densely  scaled ;  dorsal  fin  long,  continuous,  the  spines 
rather  short,  graduated,  the  soft  portion  not  falcate  and  not  strongly 
angulate ;  caudal  fin  moderately  forked,  the  lobes  round,  the  upper  one 
the  longer;  anal  fin  with  2  strong  spines,  the  soft  portion  similar  to 
that  of  the  dorsal;  ventral  fins  moderate,  scarcely  reaching  vent; 
pectoral  fins  broad,  i.i  to  1.23  in  head. 

Color  uniform  brown.  In  two  specimens  the  caudal  fin  is  pale 
(orange  in  life),  and  in  the  other  specimens  at  hand  it  is  colored  like 
the  body.  The  other  fins  are  bluish  black. 

Only  3  specimens,  respectively  140,  140  and  150  mm.  in  length, 
were  secured.  The  difference  in  the  color  of  the  caudal  fin  does  not 
appear  to  be  of  specific  importance,  as  we  are  unable  to  find  any 
structural  difference  among  our  specimens. 

Previously  known  only  from  the  West  Indies.  Our  specimens  were 
taken  at  Toro  Point  and  Porto  Bello. 


.'  UIH 


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